Despite the formations of anti-racist groups (Halt All Racist Tours, 1969), much of the Rugby Union seemed to turn a blind-eye to the racial discrimination within the league. As one of the most renowned activist events in rugby, the Panthers played a large role in protesting racial selection in the sport by joining rallies against the 1981 Sprinkbok Tour. Because of South African apartheid, New Zealand sports teams were urged to exclude Māori players and select rosters according to racial segregation, said to be in the best interest and safety of the players. In 1970, All Blacks rugby toured its Māori and Islander players under the privileged status of 'honorary whites', although many were not satisfied with this gesture of tolerance.