Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has posted a message on social media showing him and other South African players stuck in Japan after finding out their flights home have been cancelled.
It’s been a difficult time for South African players based abroad in recent times, having been duty bound to their clubs while waiting for clarity on the future plans of the respective competitions affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday it was confirmed by the Japan Rugby Football Union that the remainder of the Top League season had been cancelled, finally allowing players the opportunity to head home.
However, as Vermeulen revealed on social media, they were met by more problems when they arrived at the airport.
‘Good times finding out our flights are cancelled as we arrive at check in counter,’ he posted with clear sarcasm. ‘Absolutely no support from Emirates. Stuck in Japan indefinitely with my family back home.’
The clip also shows other Japan-based Springboks Malcolm Marx and Jesse Kriel, as well as former Sharks flyhalf Fred Zeilinga and ex-Bok coach Allister Coetzee.
READ: Japanese Top League called off
Good times finding out our flights are cancelled as we arrive at check in counter. Absolutely no support from @emirates Stuck in Japan indefinitely with my family back home…. pic.twitter.com/f0iZmsoYTc
— Duane Vermeulen (@duane_vermeulen) March 23, 2020
Last week, MyPlayers CEO Eugene Henning told SARugbymag.co.za that the situation of getting overseas-based players home was complicated by the fact that the season had not be cancelled as yet.
