Los Angeles match off

A MILD Los Angeles winter day will make way for a sweltering Boland summer’s day for a Super Rugby warm-up between the Stormers and the Bulls next month.

The preseason match between the two South Africa rivals was set to be a curtainraiser to a game featuring the US against an Argentine XV in California, but was called off on Tuesday night.

The official reason given was logistical issues, but it is understood that financial commitments to the Bulls and Stormers could not be guaranteed.

“The Super Rugby preseason warm-up match between the Bulls and the Stormers, that was supposed to be played in Los Angeles, has been cancelled due to issues regarding the agreed upon transfers and logistics‚” the Bulls club said. “Player welfare and the management thereof are extremely important to the Bulls, as well as the Stormers‚ and will not be compromised on in this regard.

“However‚ both teams are excited to announce the fixture will still be played, but at the Boland Stadium on February 3‚ with kickoff scheduled for 4pm.

“More details regarding the game and the tickets will follow in due course.”

Considering issues around player welfare‚ there will be much relief that the teams will not have to travel all the way to Los Angeles, for what is essentially an exhibition match.

Both unions are enduring tough financial times and any opportunity to make a quick buck took precedence over longterm considerations.

Thankfully‚ in terms of player welfare‚ the deal has fallen through.

But Wellington in early February will not be much fun.

Temperatures average 30°C throughout February and regularly top 40°C in the early part of the month. – TimesLIVE