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Cape Town - Former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse is not in favour of the South African Rugby Union's proposed quota system for next year's Vodacom Cup.
SARU earlier this year announced that Vodacom Cup teams will be forced to field seven players of colour in their 22-man squads, with at least five players in the starting team. At least two of the seven will also have to be among the forwards.
In a press release, SARU called it "measurable targets" with president Oregan Hoskins saying it "underlines SARU’s commitment to transformation".
However, measurable targets and quota mean two different things. Quota is the official limit on the number or amount of people required, while a target is something you aim to achieve.
So despite attempts to label it something different, it will inevitably be called a quota system, and Paulse fears that dreaded word will have an adverse effect on players.
In an interview with the Rugby365 website, Paulse said SARU's new plan is not the way forward as he feels it's a "big degradation for the players".
He said the so-called quota players themselves feel it's unfair as it places a label on them because they are forced to be in the team.
He said players want to feel they are part of a team and there on merit, and also be accepted into the team and have the respect of their team-mates.
Paulse, 37, played 64 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 26 tries.
He currently works as a rugby pundit and commentator for SuperSport.
SARU earlier this year announced that Vodacom Cup teams will be forced to field seven players of colour in their 22-man squads, with at least five players in the starting team. At least two of the seven will also have to be among the forwards.
In a press release, SARU called it "measurable targets" with president Oregan Hoskins saying it "underlines SARU’s commitment to transformation".
However, measurable targets and quota mean two different things. Quota is the official limit on the number or amount of people required, while a target is something you aim to achieve.
So despite attempts to label it something different, it will inevitably be called a quota system, and Paulse fears that dreaded word will have an adverse effect on players.
In an interview with the Rugby365 website, Paulse said SARU's new plan is not the way forward as he feels it's a "big degradation for the players".
He said the so-called quota players themselves feel it's unfair as it places a label on them because they are forced to be in the team.
He said players want to feel they are part of a team and there on merit, and also be accepted into the team and have the respect of their team-mates.
Paulse, 37, played 64 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 26 tries.
He currently works as a rugby pundit and commentator for SuperSport.
