Rugby-ANC to consult before decision on Springbok emblem

CAPE TOWN, Oct 10 (Reuters) - South African's ruling African National Congress (ANC) will consult everyone involved in rugby before making any decision on dropping the Springbok emblem.

The party intended to consult all stakeholders, including fans, an ANC statement said on Friday.

South African Rugby Union (SARU) president Oregan Hoskins welcomed the news.

"We will happily engage with the leadership of our government on the issue and welcome their invitation to involve all parties in the debate," Hoskins said in an official SARU news release.

The future of the Springbok emblem was cast in doubt on Thursday with the announcement that the Parliamentary Sports Portfolio Committee had called for it to be scrapped in favour of the protea, the country's national flower.

Hoskins defended the Springbok emblem.

"Rugby believes that the Springbok emblem is actually a force for unity in this country and anyone who saw the tens of thousands of South Africans of all races flock to welcome back the World Cup-winning Springboks last October couldn't help but conclude that the public had voted loud and clear on just what they think about the Springbok emblem," he said.

(Reporting by Zelim Nel; Editing by Clare Fallon)