‘Politics’: Andre Esterhuizen reacts to K-word past backlash?

Springbok Andre Esterhuizen has seemingly responded to social media backlash -which includes the hashtag #notinmyname – about his schoolboy past, in which he is alleged to have used the K-word.

The 32-year-old’s name has been trending on social media in connection with an incident that took place in 2012.

At the time, Andre – set to be the Boks’ 68th captain in this week’s test match against the Wallabies – was just  18 years old.

ANDREW ESTERHUIZEN RESPONDS TO K-WORD BACKLASH?

On his social media platforms, Andre Esterhuizen has seemingly responded to online criticism about his appointment to Springbok captain amid a racial scandal that took place almost 15 years ago.

In the wake of his captaincy announcement, Andre posted a sponsored post relating to a brand he is an ambassador for.

In the comments section, the 32-year-old liked comments that defended his alleged K-word debacle in 2012.

Some of them read:

“Don’t let the politics distract you”

“Empty drums make the most noise. You are a gent on and off the field. A very worthy captain”

“Hang in there – you are still our captain”

According to reports, a Krugersdorp High School rugby player named Andre Esterhuizen faced disciplinary action in 2012.

This followed claims that he had called Thabo Molete, the coach of the Potchefstroom Gymnasium, a “f**king k*****” during the match.

The then 18-year-old was found guilty of misconduct and was handed a year’s ban, which later became a six-month suspension, provided he underwent a life skills course.

The following year, Andre moved to Durban and officially joined the Sharks.

On the X platform, the #Notmycaptain hashtag trended alongside news of Andre Esterhuizen’s captaincy.

RASSIE: ‘HE DESERVES THE OPPORTUNITY’

Speaking of his squad selection, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus revealed why he made Andre Esterhuizen captain.

He said, “It wasn’t a question of who we were going to make captain; it was a question of whether we build our senior players so that everyone has a voice.”

“André has been the Sharks’ captain, and he’s been one of those players who, whenever you ask something of him. he’s always embraced it.”

He continued: “We feel it’s not just the honour of him getting the captaincy, but it will also help us as a team going forward into matches and closer to the World Cup to have more guys who know what it feels like to lead the Springboks.”

“We feel he really deserves an opportunity. Being a Bok captain, you suddenly feel what it’s like to lead a country. And you become better at supporting the other captain.”