No decision yet on Bok trip to Oz

The Springboks’ participation in this year’s Rugby Championship (RC) is still in the balance as SA Rugby seeks clarity on government regulations permitting international travel.

Last week restrictions on international sporting participation were lifted but the opaquely worded amendments under section 27 (2) of the Disaster Management Act of 2002 have left officials scratching their heads.

While the amendments give the thumbs up to “international sport, arts and culture events involving countries with a low or medium Covid-19 infection and transmission rate”, who it applies to is less clear.

The confusion in the legislation may have been caused by the paragraph: “Only individuals who have an employment contract with a team outside the Republic may be permitted to leave the Republic in accordance with the Directions issued by the Minister of Home Affairs.”

If that were to be applied to the letter of the law the Springboks would stay put. Only a limited number of Springboks hold contracts with SA Rugby.

That would also preclude coaching and support staff from travelling.

It is intended for the Springboks to travel with an enlarged playing squad of about 45 members to Australia where the RC is supposed to be played between November 7 and December 12.

SA Rugby announced yesterday that they will make a decision on the world champions’ participation in the four-nation event early this week.

They said in a statement “several hurdles needed to be cleared if it is to be confirmed”.

“The SA government lifted the ban on international sporting participation a week ago and directions to manage such participation were published on Wednesday.”