Vodacom Bulls chief executive Edgar Rathbone says it is still a ‘priority’ for the rugby industry to get small groups of fans back into stadiums.

SA Rugby is believed to have launched an application seeking approval from the government to allow 5000 fans inside stadiums during the semi-finals and final of the Currie Cup next month.

That hope, however, remains rather tenuous at this stage. On Thursday, for example, the Bulls’ match against Griquas has been cancelled due to a Covid-19 outbreak within the Bulls team.

Yet Rathbone remains hopeful of getting approval from the government and is optimistic that Covid-19 protocols can upheld if supporters are allowed back into stadiums.

‘I think for the rugby economy, it is important. And if you look at our stadiums and the way it’s designed and the space you’ve got, I think in terms of social distancing and adhering to protocols, it should be quite easy to do that,’ Rathbone explained.

‘It’s still a priority for the rugby industry to get fans back into stadiums, so hopefully this doesn’t affect it.’

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