ABSTRACT
Rugby has been an integral part of white South African culture and identity for many decades. South African rugby success over the years developed into a cultural symbol of white society. However, one concern for many whites in the 1990s is over the survival of rugby as a dominant cultural form in South Mrica. Rugby, and other elements of white culture, face a battle of legitimation to wider society as traditions surrounding it and other white cultural forms excluded black South Africans in the past. For most black South Africans, soccer is the dominant sport. Soccer's significance is such that part of President Mandela's activities on his inauguration day involved watching an international match between South Africa and Zambia. Rugby is receiving some government support, though, as sports minister Steve Tshwhete is a passionate rugby supporter.
