SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux says the governing body’s focus of the sport has now shifted to its return-to-play plans.

Thursday 14 May was the cut off day for individual players who wished to cancel their current contracts under the 21-day exit clause, which was implemented as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic.

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But now that transfer deadline has passed, Roux says SA Rugby will shift its attention and resources into getting straight back to action just as soon as they are permitted.

‘From the moment we went into lockdown we have been preparing and workshopping internal guidelines and protocols for return to play and return to work,’ said Roux.

‘Those are complete and are ready to be actioned as soon as we get Government’s go-ahead. We have presented our case to the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and believe we have a strong case.

‘We do not run hospitals or build ventilators and we are not an industry that is critical to the South African economy; but we do believe that we add huge value to national life in other ways.

‘The sight of the Springboks running out for the first time since winning the Rugby World Cup would be a powerful milestone on the nation’s journey to the other side of this crisis as well as being a boost for national morale.

‘While the return to play of our provincial teams – even if it is behind closed doors – would similarly be hugely beneficial to a nation in lockdown.

‘We understand that there are bigger agendas at play but believe the risk of transmission could be well managed by our protocols. We trust the minister and Government will view our case seriously.’

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