Sign of hope for pro SA rugby players, fans

SA Rugby welcomed the recent announcement by the minister of sport, arts and culture, Nathi Mthethwa, that professional sports teams could begin the process of returning to training under Level 3 lockdown.

It is a sign of hope for players and coaches that some form of rugby will be played this year. But the ministry requested patience as it tries to reintroduce sport, both professional and amateur.

It was also announced that non-contact sports would be allowed to resume matches on a professional level.

While further clarity is awaited over the regulations around the return to training, the long-awaited return to play may be imminent.

On Monday, the department of sport & recreation released a statement stressing that all safety precautions have to be considered.

The department and “ministry of sport, arts and culture take this opportunity to request continued patience and tolerance as the directions announced by the minister are still to be signed and published in the Government Gazette,” the statement read.

Professional players have undoubtedly been impacted mentally and physically by the lockdown.

Though it is a long way off, one could suggest that the domestic Currie Cup rugby season take place later this year with the Springbok Tests, which were meant to be held in July, and will possibly be played in October/November. Tomorrow, the world s first ’ rugby games will take place when the New Zealand Super Rugby Aotearoa kicks off.

All five franchises will take each other on over a 10-week period.

Good news is supporters will be allowed at the stadiums after the country reported no cases of Covid-19.

The Highlanders take on the Chiefs on Saturday, with the Blues hosting the Hurricanes on Sunday.