Photo by Jorina Raath/Speedshots.co.za
South African rugby will hopefully have an answer on when and where rugby can resume after a meeting with the government on Friday to evaluate the protocols and guidelines as implemented by the professional rugby unions in South Africa.
One of the criteria's set by the government was that all staff of the unions had to be tested for the COVID19 virus. The Bulls, Pumas and Griquas had no positive tests while the Cheetahs, Sharks, Stormers and the Lions did report that a limited number of employees and players tested positive.
In anticipation of a possible restart Monday next week several unions have already informed their players to return to their unions to start training. It is expected that the return to training will be regulated with no contact allowed and a group of five or fewer players the maximum set.
SARU has set a possible date of 29 August 2020 for professional rugby to resume. Rugby in South Africa needs to restart as soon as possible to guarantee the financial survival of the franchises. Several unions in the "B" league of the Currie Cup has already indicated that the can not financially compete in any competitions during the rest of 2020.