Springboks rugby championship remains in doubt as Sanzaar confirms schedule

Rugby Championship Trophy (Getty Images)

• SANZAAR has revealed the competition matches for this year’s rescheduled Rugby Championship.
• The Springboks, who are the defending champions, are expected to play their first game against Argentina.
• However, it became clear that Springboks participation it is still in doubt due to government protocols.

the Springboks will start your Rugby championship defense against Argentina in Brisbane, when SANZAAR unveiled the matches for this year’s rescheduled tournament.

This year’s Rugby Championship will be held in Australia (in Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney) from November 7 to December 12.

According to the press release, the participation of the Springboks has yet to be confirmed as they await the relaxation of the current government ban on international sports participation and the result of high performance evaluations and player welfare issues.

The teams will be separated and remain in a bubble during the six-week tournament and will be required to comply with all health regulations imposed by the governments of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland.

Team welfare will be continuously monitored in accordance with NSW Heath requirements.

“It took a lot of work to get to this point, but we are delighted to be able to confirm the dates and match venues for the 2020 Rugby Championship,” said Andy Marinos, SANZAAR CEO.

“The six double-game Saturdays are the firsts in the tournament and will produce an exciting rugby party for spectators at the venues that will actually host two world-class international events for the price of one ticket.”

Siya Kolisi’s men are scheduled to play back-to-back matches against New Zealand in Sydney and Newcastle, before the tournament returns to Sydney for the final two rounds.

The start times of the two-legged matches will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, this weekend the local season will resume with a friendly double game at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, when the Bulls take on the Sharks and the Lions fight the Stormers on Super Fan Saturday.