Trying to see glass half-full

It’s such a scary scenario that Lions assistant coach Neil de Bruin (pictured) doesn’t even want to contemplate the thought that rugby might be called off for the rest of the year.

National youth weeks have already being called off in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, while uncertainty surrounding Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship is growing by the day. Even next year’s British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa could also be in jeopardy.

“If no rugby is going to be played before the end of the year it will come as a great shock to all the people in South Africa and throughout the rugby world,” said De Bruin.

“We have no idea what the situation would look like or how it would feel.”

De Bruin said the current situation could deteriorate even further – something all the roleplayers in the country are trying to avoid.

“I think logic will dictate that there will have to be further salary cuts, with a potential move to another model for contracting players. This could result in far less players being kept on the books,” he added.

However, the Lions backline and attack coach said the rugby community remained positive that the sport could resume, even though the ministry said sport will only return to normal when lockdown restrictions are lowered to Level 1.

“We are trying the see the glass half-full and we hope and pray that there will still be rugby this year, holding thumbs it will actually take place,” he added.

“The way government has treated the matter we might see rugby sooner rather than later and we are trying to look at the positive side.

“We firmly believe the game will resume in some sort of capacity.”