SA Rugby are mapping out plans to complete their playing season and will look at the option of South African Super Rugby conference derbies.
With professional rugby suspended in South Africa amid the global coronavirus pandemic and the southern-hemisphere club competition postponed for the foreseeable future, Saru are keen to be prepared when they are given the all-clear.
SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux confirmed the national rugby body is in ongoing discussions with stakeholders about a number of competition models, for Super Rugby, the Pro14 and the Currie Cup, that could be implemented.
He says: “SA Rugby is currently evaluating all our competition structures, with a view to restructure it in the interim so that we are able to afford game time to all our franchise and provincial teams.
BUSY: Saru CEO Jurie Roux. Picture: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix.
“Obviously, nothing can happen in the next few weeks until the ‘period of social distancing’, as instructed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, has lapsed.
“We are considering local derby matches between our South African teams.
“We must still drill into the specifics, but we are confident we will be able to put a feasible plan on the table that will be suitable for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Saru director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is also trying to stay productive, as he looks to keep the world champion Springboks and the Blitzbokke, who could still compete at the Olympics this year, ready for competition.
Opinion ( Its not always easy to do the “right” thing, but is much tougher not to tell anybody you did it) pic.twitter.com/FkD7XzNIx5
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) March 13, 2020
He says: “Our planning for the season will carry on regardless - whether it’s the Springboks, Junior Springboks, Blitzboks or our national women’s teams - as we still have a lot to prepare for.”
The Boks’ Incoming Series Tests in July against Scotland and Georgia and Currie Cup remain as scheduled but will be reviewed in April.