SA Rugby has reportedly compiled and presented a radically-changed calendar for the 2020 season, with the hope of returning to on-field action on 5 June.
According to Rapport newspaper, the governing body presented the new-look via plan via video meetings with the MyPlayers organisation last week.
SA Rugby is targeting 5 June as the date for a return to play, if it is given the green light by South African government.
The following plan has been submitted to the players’ organisation:
- A two-month tournament, including the country’s Vodacom Super Rugby teams (the Vodacom Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers) and Pro14 teams (Cheetahs and Kings), to start on 5 June.
- The Rugby Championship to be played in August and September, with the Provincial Rugby Challenge and Currie Cup also starting at this time.
- The Springboks’ two Tests against Scotland, originally scheduled to take place in July, will be played in October. The July Test against Georgia falls away.
- The November Tests against Italy, Ireland, France and Wales this year in Europe to continue as planned.
If the season cannot resume and rugby were wiped out for the entire year due to the coronavirus, SA Rugby is facing a predicted financial loss of around R200-million.
Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix
