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Competitive rugby resumed in South Africa only this Friday after a six-month suspension triggered by COVID-19 and there are concerns about the preparation of players for test rugby.
The Springboks celebrate after their victory over England at the 2019 Rugby World Cup on November 2, 2019 in Japan. Image: @ Springboks / Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – The participation of the world champions South Africa in the 2020 Rugby Championship is on the line after a statement issued on Saturday indicated that a decision would be made next week.
A coronavirus-induced international sport ban by the South African government was recently lifted and the national soccer team hosted Namibia this week.
But South African Rugby officials are seeking further clarification from the Sports Ministry on how the regulations governing participation would affect the Springboks.
The statement said a decision will be made “early next week” on whether South Africa will defend a title it won last year in a single-round tournament due to the World Cup.
Competitive rugby resumed in South Africa only this Friday after a six-month suspension triggered by COVID-19 and there are concerns about the preparation of players for test rugby.
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has said he would not be in favor of competing unless the chosen players had participated in a minimum of six games.
Given the return to rugby much later than New Zealand and Australia, as South Africa was hit hardest by the pandemic, that goal cannot be met.
Officials should also consider the financial impact of not competing against hosts Australia, New Zealand and Argentina in the tournament from October 31 to December 5.
SA Rugby cut R1.2 billion from its 2020 budget due to the coronavirus and could reportedly pocket R300 million playing in Australia.
If the Springboks choose to participate, they will begin their title defense against Argentina in Brisbane on November 7.
The Rugby Championship was created in 2012 when Argentina joined a competition formerly called the Tri Nations.
It normally takes place between August and October and each country plays against the other three at home and abroad.
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