While one report says the Springboks have pulled out of this year’s Rugby Championship, South African Rugby says that the decision will be relayed on Friday.
An SA Rugby statement on Thursday did not deny the veracity of the report, instead suggesting the final decision would be communicated by organisers SANZAAR on Friday.
“An SA Rugby spokesperson said that speculation in the media that the Springboks were to be withdrawn from the Rugby Championship have been noted,” the statement read.
“However, it would make no comment on the reports until SANZAAR had updated all stakeholders through official channels, which was expected to be on Friday, Oct. 16.”
The New Zealand Herald have suggested the decision has already been made, and that the competition will now feature only Australia, New Zealand and Argentina – a financial blow to all four countries.
The Springboks have cited player welfare and the need for government approval as sticking points in taking part in the competition.
Should their withdrawal be confirmed, they face going into next July’s British and Irish Lions series on home soil having played little or no Test rugby since their victory in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England last November.
South Africa’s long and hard COVID-19 lockdown means the country’s leading players were sidelined from competitive action between mid-March and the start of the domestic season this past weekend.
Team officials have suggested they will need at least 500 minutes of competitive rugby before they can take part in the Rugby Championship, with all but their overseas-based players well short of this.
It was hoped a compromise by SANZAAR to allow the Boks to enter the competition at the halfway point, giving players greater preparation time, might ease those concerns.
If South Africa do participate, then the need to quarantine in the host country Australia for 14 days before their scheduled opener against Argentina on November 7 means they are in a race again time to board the plane.
Tom Ki
Guest
Wasn't it an overpaid consultants report
Tom
Guest
Just pleased your premier only gets one game
Ex force fan
Guest
I think my point of view is perfectly reasonable.... however I am seldom accused of being the "voice of reason". Thank you Pinetree.
mick
Guest
Yep, I agree with all of that - and that's why I'm saying that I hope SANZAAR look seriously at legal action against SA Rugby. Those strategic decisions may end up costing their partners millions.
Ex force fan
Guest
Point is pretty obvious..covid19 impacted NZ and Australia much less than RSA and Argentina. Maybe take that into account before you criticise others decisions.
Ex force fan
Guest
That surely played a role but would not be the primary reason
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
Thanks for being a voice of reason during this very conflicting time between the rugby SH nations. I little more empathy from many our fellow kiwi and Aussie fans would go a long way towards unity rather than division...
nroko
Roar Rookie
There's plenty of commercial upside in protecting in their rep, especially going forward with many new deals they would be signing up for, Pro16, 7nations etc.
PeterK
Roar Guru
yes just scared of losing games and keeping their ranking
GoldenEye
Roar Rookie
I just hope it's not because they want to protect their ranking and reputation for the Lions Tour.
Mielie
Roar Rookie
And your point is?
Mielie
Roar Rookie
"So scared of being beaten, they renege" PeterK consider. 2019 WC NZ vs S A 23-13 Eng vs NZ 19-7 S A vs Eng Final 32-12. You are of the confirmed belief that a fully trained and fired up South African team would renege on an international Rugby test match because they are scared of losing against a team of Wallabies simply because they drew one Bledisloe match. After losing how many? I can't quite see the Springboks shivering in their boots with fear.
Mielie
Roar Rookie
"So scared of being beaten, they renege" PeterK, please consider one or two facts. 2019 WC NZ vs S A 23-13 Eng vs NZ 19-7 S A vs Eng Final 32-12. You are of the confirmed belief that a fully trained and fired up South African team would renege on an international Rugby test match because they are scared of losing against a team of Wobbilies simply because they drew one Bledisloe match. After losing how many? I can't quite see the Springboks shivering in their boots with fear.
nroko
Roar Rookie
It's an opportunity for SARU to see how a domestic competition with its best players fares up before committing to Pro16. It also gives them more negotiating power if the domestic competition is a hit tv figures, they will show that off to Pro16 to demand more money. Only way the domestic competition will be a hit if the top players are playing. The loss in revenue for not playing in TRC for SARU will be made up by the BIL series plus whatever they decide to do domestically and internationally. Commercially it does no good for SARU if the Springboks lose matches in TRC, after all they want to be using their World Champ status to negotiate new deals which probably includes inclusion in 6 nations. So its less about 'Player welfare' and more about 'SARU welfare'.
Suzy Poison
Guest
New Zealand: (Population 5M) 1,876 Coronavirus cases. Deaths: 25 Australia: (Population 25M) 27,362 Coronavirus cases. Deaths: 904 South Africa: (Population 58M) 698,184 Coronavirus cases. Deaths: 18,309 Argentina: (Population 45M) 949,063 Coronavirus cases. Deaths: 25,342
Ex force fan
Guest
It sucks for Australia and NZ perspective but from a Bok perspective it was never worth the risk to play. Clearly Bok rugby's priority is the Lions series of 2021 and their integration in NH rugby in the future. This will allow South Africa to play a proper Superugby Unlock competition and plan their preparation for the Lions series better and hopefully get similar outcomes as Australia and NZ got. They need to proof that a domestic competition could be viable although I think the Pro 16 and a Currie Cup would be more sensitible. This does not have to be the end of the Rugby Championship and the commercial value of this competition will ensure it would not be. It is however clear that there is not much of a partnership left in SANZAAR as rugby interests are re-aligning to reflect the post COVID world.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
Cut' em loose. Better for everyone if they go play with their corona virus riddled friends in Europe.
Scott
Guest
Mate, 1 - They were confined to their homes with no groups allowed - they have basically been training in their own backyards for 4 months. 2 - NZ wanted us out and even promoted a competition without us - why are we being made out as the evil one. 3 - you go play against the best in the world with no game time!
EastsFootyFan
Roar Guru
Cut South Africa and bring in Japan. This circus can't go on and frankly Japan can only improve if they're in the RC. Plus it also means games will be played in a much better time zone.
Ex force fan
Guest
Yeah, hard to proof who leaked it but it was in NZ and NZRU has been using the media to fight their battles. I think you are right. There is nothing for the Boks to play in this tournament with an undercooked side. They were hoping that their European players may be available however it seems that COVID-19 outbreak and difficulties to release player in Japan and England compromised that solution. This had to be worked up to this week and therefore the delay in the decision.