The South African Rugby Union (Saru) might have no other way but to play their version of Super Rugby in a bio-bubble in Johannesburg.
Listening to the union’s CEO, Jurie Roux, it’s clear that he would prefer his second option for the possible August return of the tournament.
With Pro14 teams the Kings and the Cheetahs set join South Africa’s four Super Rugby franchises, Roux says: “We’ve got two scenarios.
“We’ve got our own bio-bubble scenario - if that is what government wants from us, we will obviously do that.
“The most likely venue for that bio-bubble will be Johannesburg for a number of logistical reasons.
“And then if that is not necessary, we’ve got a second plan that will involve certain elements of travel around chartered flights, dedicated hotels, around the least amount of engagement within the environment.
“It would be a scenario where you fly in the morning, play and then get back on that same plane and fly back in that evening.”
Government’s option might turn out to be the safest.
With rugby being a contact sport, players will be at risk for the coronavirus.
And with scrums and mauls being part of the package, Springbok and Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff believes there is nothing to worry about if the necessary precautions are taken before they kick off again.
SCRUM: Prop Steven Kitshoff. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
He says of the front-row shove: “I personally think that if everyone’s tested and everyone is safe, and no one is going into the game with any symptoms, then 80 minutes of scrummaging and mauling will be fine and you’ll be safe at the end of the game...
“I don’t see issues when teams are isolated and there are no outside influences that can affect anyone prior to a game.”
He adds of being “in a bubble” in Johannesburg for a month: “It will have the same feeling as a tour - when you go to New Zealand you are there for four weeks if it is the only solution to get back on the field, then I’m all for it.”