Speaking at Sascoc House in Johannesburg on Thursday, Mbalula said that if the 50 percent representation was not met, the ministry would be able to take action against the SA Rugby Union (Saru).

The heads of the SA Football Association (Safa), Athletics SA (ASA), Saru, Netball SA (NSA) and Cricket SA (CSA) all signed the Eminent Person’s Report (EPG) on Transformation in Sport on May 18 at Sascoc House.

“We signed an agreement with rugby on 18 May. It gives us the opportunity to pursue transformation targets of 50 percent representation in the national team,” said Mbalula.

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Mbalula, however, said he knew the Springbok team would not be able to meet that 50 percent representation at the World Cup.

“I said on May 18 the Springbok national team would not have been able to meet the targets but we agreed with Saru on 50/50.”

South Africa lost to arch rivals and eventual winners New Zealand in the World Cup semi-finals before beating Argentina in the play-off for third place.