South African rugby fans are keen to take advantage of the relaxed Covid-19 restrictions and take in some Vodacom United Rugby Championship action this weekend.

SA Rugby on Tuesday welcomed the decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to allow rugby venues to accept up to 50% capacity.

The change in regulations means the requirement that allowed only 2,000 vaccinated fans into venues has been relaxed, and includes those who return a negative test for coronavirus.

It is immediately effective in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Currie Cup.

It has been more than two years since South Africa’s rugby venues were last able to host an unrestricted audience, but the current revisions, which also allow stadiums to sell alcohol, should allow for a far more festive atmosphere.

Following a poll by SARugbymag.co.za, the majority of readers said that they would definitely be heading back to the stadiums.

Over 79% of those who voted were keen to get back to Loftus Versfeld, Ellis Park, Cape Town Stadium and Kings Park, while only 5% said that they were still unsure.

A little over 15% of voters said that they were still happy to watch the rugby from the comfort of their own homes.

In the coming weekends, South Africa will host the likes of Edinburgh, Ulster, Glasgow and Leinster, who have all welcomed back their internationals from Six Nations duty, which will make for mouthwatering encounters.

This weekend, the Stormers will face Ulster, who have Duane Vermeulen among their ranks, at Cape Town Stadium, while the Sharks play Edinburgh, who have Pierre Schoeman in their squad, at Kings Park on Saturday.

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