LOSS OF PSDT COULD HAVE MASSIVE RAMIFICATIONS

IF SPRINGBOK superstar PieterSteph du Toit is to be lured overseas, it would not only be a massive loss for South African rugby, but it would also send a message that could do the local rugby landscape serious harm.

The Rugby World Cup-winning forward has been in many sports headlines over the last few days, with reports linking him to a megamoney deal with French giants Montpellier.

On Sunday, it was reported that the club was showing interest in the World Rugby Player of the Year, but Montpellier has since refuted such claims in a statement issued on their official website, denying that “any contractual offer has been made to Pieter-Steph du Toit” and that the speculations “only aim to harm the interests of the club, which is currently engaged in the safeguard of its structure”.

If it does turn out to be true, or should Du Toit head to any other cash-rich overseas club, it would be a harsh reality that would place SA rugby in an extremely unenviable position.

On the technical side there’d be the frustration that comes with franchises not being able to negotiate with their own players.

If any of player chooses to exercise a controversial 21-day escape clause as part of a collective bargaining agreement implemented and just one of the negative effects the Covid-9 pandemic has brought on, that franchise’s hands would be tied as South African franchises will not be able to enter into negotiations or make counter-offers should such a situation arise.

The loss of Du Toit – whether it happens now or in the near future – would obviously be a huge departure for the Stormers especially.

And even though it wouldn’t rule him out of Bok contention, the same as with any other overseasbased player, it would have an ill effect on our domestic rugby and Super Rugby sides.

For years now the quality of a competition like the Currie Cup has suffered under the overseas money lure, but and while the effects of the coronavirus pandemic is by no means native to South African sport, having a player, one who’s been a poster boy for loyalty to the Bok colours like Du Toit has, leave during this time could open the tap and see many, many more local players head for more lucrative, financially-secure pastures.

After all, what message would it send to others who may not even have half the resolution the loose forward has to stay in South Africa to make sure that his chances of playing in the Springbok jumper aren’t affected at all?

There’s no telling how things will go from here, and while Du

Toit has been a major talking point, he’s certainly not the only player who can cultivate interest abroad.

And should he leave, South African rugby could have more to worry about than just when rugby can resume.