Still a few big calls on rugby

Why on earth is it taking so long for rugby in South Africa to hit the restart button?

That is a question most rugby supporters are wrestling with after the players were allowed to return to contact training two weeks ago already. No date for a new-look domestic competition has been confirmed by SA Rugby with the most likely scenario being that it will kick off on 10 October.

Rudolf Straeuli, the CEO of Lions Rugby Company, said there were clear guidelines in place and targets to be met before actual games could restart and that is the main reason for the delay.

“The players’ welfare is the first priority and the required protocols have to be in place,” said Straeuli.

“Players will have to be regularly tested for Covid-19, sufficient sanitising of staff and players must be carried out while equipment and the fields will also be regularly sanitised under the guidance and supervision of medical personnel,” he said.

“Furthermore, the green light for matches to start up again has to be achieved in adherence with the Sports Ministry and safety measurements, and government will have to be satisfied that everything possible has been done (for it to happen safely),” he said.

Straeuli said at his own union – the Lions – there is huge excitement even though the players are training with masks on at the moment and regular sanitising and testing is taking place on a daily basis.

“The players are upbeat and they are ready to return to action when the official go-ahead comes,” he said.

“The new players have added energy to the squad but we don’t want to talk too much; we’ll rather do our talking on the field,” he said.

The date of 26 September has been mentioned as a possible warm-up opportunity for the teams to play at Loftus in a Super Hero day, while the Cheetahs and Griquas will clash on the same date.

“Obviously, SA Rugby still have to confirm these dates but in a warm-up scenario we will play in two ‘chukkas’ with a rolling substitute system in place,” said Straeuli.

While flyhalf Elton Jantjies is destined to resume the role as Lions captain it still needs to be confirmed. “Obviously that is a call for coach Cash van Rooyen to make, but seeing as he was the captain in Super Rugby I would imagine he will continue.”