SA Rugby says it will consult government before making a decision on whether or not the Springboks will participate in the 2020 edition of the Rugby Championship.
South Africa are the reigning champions in the southern hemisphere’s premier international competition, but their ability to defend their title still remains in doubt. This is despite Sanzaar’s plans to hold the tournament this year, with all matches held in Australia.
SA Rugby to consult government
The prospect of travelling abroad has presented SA Rugby with a unique challenge brought on by lockdown restrictions which, until recently, included a strict ban on international travel.
SA Rugby says it will approach the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture as well as the Department of Transport to seek clarity on how the existing regulations will impact the Springboks’ participation.
“A final decision was only likely to be finalised early next week once those clarifications had been assessed internally and with SA Rugby’s Sanzaar partners.”
Meanwhile, Sanzaar has released a revised Rugby Championship fixtures list ahead of the tournament.
Should South Africa participate, they will kick off their title defence against Argentina at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Revised Rugby Championship 2020 fixtures
Matchday One – Saturday, 31 October
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
Australia vs New Zealand
Matchday Two – Saturday, 7 November
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Argentina vs South Africa
Australia vs New Zealand
Matchday Three – Saturday, 14 November
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
New Zealand vs Argentina
South Africa vs Australia
Matchday Four – Saturday, 21 November
ANZ Stadium, Sydney
New Zealand vs South Africa
Australia vs Argentina
Matchday Five – Saturday, 28 November
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
Argentina vs Australia
South Africa vs New Zealand
Matchday Six – Saturday, 5 December
Bankwest Stadium, Sydney
Argentina vs New Zealand
Australia vs South Africa
Matchday Seven – Saturday, 12 December
McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
South Africa vs Argentina
