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Bulls rugby director Jake White in Newlands ahead of his Currie Cup game against Western Province on November 28, 2020.
Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images
- The Bulls are not focused on what their canceled game against Griquas this weekend could mean for their eventual record position in the Currie Cup.
- CEO Edgar Rathbone says that the safety and well-being of players is now a priority.
- Repetition is not possible, the Bulls boss stressed.
the Bulls have ignored the potential ramifications in terms of their registration position in the Currie Cup after their weekend game against Griquas in Kimberley was canceled due to Covid-19 protocols on Thursday.
Edgar rathbone, the franchise’s CEO, confirmed that “several” players and members of management were showing symptoms after Tuesday’s mandatory testing round returned some positive cases.
Under regulations, a second batch of tests was conducted on Wednesday, revealing more infections.
“It’s unfortunate that he hit us now,” Rathbone said.
“It was probably expected that somewhere along the line we would also be affected. The team is now in quarantine and we will do more tests on Monday to determine if there are more infections or not.”
“Another reason we had to cancel the game is, according to SA Rugby regulations, when the virus infiltrates the front row, contact tracing becomes more complicated, that’s why the decision was made.”
With the Bulls and Griquas sharing two checkpoints, the door is now firmly open for the Sharks to significantly close the gap with Jake White’s troops.
They face the Lions at Ellis Park this weekend.
However, Rathbone noted that registration points take a step back given the current situation.
“The record is the record and that is not the important thing at the moment,” he said.
“Now it’s about ensuring that all of our players and staff are safe and fully recovered. The reality in this competition is that you have to win whatever game you play. Even if it means we get to a semi-final and a final away from home, we have to win. This is how you win a trophy. “
As with the Super Rugby Unlocked clash between the Sharks and the Stormers, the meeting in Kimberley has been officially canceled.
There is no margin for a repetition.
“If you look at the schedule and the number of weeks left, it will be very difficult to find space to reschedule games,” Rathbone said.
“Two shared points provide clarity and coherence for everyone.”
