SA Rugby not rushing into anything

While SA Rugby says it is relieved to have a fixture list to work from, the federation will delay a call on the Springboks’ participation in this year’s Rugby Championship until virtually the last minute.

Provided they decided to take part, the Boks were set to begin the defence of their Championship title with an away match against Argentina in Brisbane on 7 November, it was confirmed yesterday following the release of the series fixtures.

In order for the Boks to play in the tournament, however, they would have to undergo a two-week isolation period, which meant they would have to be in Australia by 24 October at the latest.

Locked in a race against time to prepare the SA squad, with domestic rugby kicking off this weekend after a lengthy hiatus due to coronavirus, national director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus and Bok coach Jacques Nienaber were expected to use the next two weeks of domestic action as an indicator as to whether they would be ready to play in the Championship.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, but we are delighted that we can now confirm the match dates and venues for the 2020 Rugby Championship,” said Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos.

“The Rugby Championship is one of the game’s showpiece events and includes some of the best rugby talent in the world.”

A spokesman for SA Rugby, however, revealed that the federation was unlikely to announce a final decision until they had a chance to fully assess the viability.

The six-week Rugby Championship

was set to take place in Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney between 7 November and 12 December.

The incoming teams (Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa) would be required to observe all health protocols in a bio-bubble determined by the New South Wales and Queensland local governments.

“Thanks to our committed family of broadcasters the action will be delivered to the living rooms of our overseas rugby fans,” Marinos said.