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Springbok wing Courtnall Skosan and former Junior Springboks, Carlü Sadie and Mnombo Zwelendaba, were named as injury replacements for the Springbok Gold and Green squads for the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown at DHL Newlands.
Skosan, who earned the last of his 12 Test caps against Italy in 2017, and Sadie (prop), who represented the Junior Springboks in the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship, were called up to the Springbok Gold squad on Monday following the withdrawal of Sergeal Petersen (foot) and Rugby World Cup-winning prop Frans Malherbe (toe) due to injury. Zwelendaba (utility back), one of the eight Young Guns in the Springbok Green Team, was a member of the Junior Springbok squad that won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Rugby U20 Championship in Argentina. He was drafted into the main squad after Seabelo Senatla was forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury. Blitzboks and Vodacom Bulls speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse was initially called up as a replacement for Senatla, but a decision was made to draft in Zwelendaba after he was unable to make his flight from Gauteng to Cape Town on Monday. SA Rugby Director of Rugby and Springbok Green team commissioner, Rassie Erasmus, explained that the key this week is to expose the young players to the Springbok culture. “We agreed as coaches that we are going to share a lot with the players in terms of the Springbok environment,” said Erasmus. “We want to show them how we do things, how our analysis systems work – both in terms of our game and the opposition – and setting a goal of the day, which we recap at the end of the day. “We are also exposing them to the systems we use off the field, such as how players do their own analysis and plan the week in terms of time management, so there are several factors within the Springbok environment that we want the players to get used to.” Zoning in on Saturday’s encounter, Erasmus said the teams’ style of play would differ to the Springboks’ usual style. “Our message to the players this week is that they should use this opportunity to understand the way we work,” said Erasmus. “What they don’t remember by Friday night they should forget, and they need to showcase their individual skills because that is what we would like to see. There won’t be a specific game plan, so it won’t be a Springbok blueprint imprinted in the players’ minds.” Springbok head coach and Gold team commissioner, Jacques Nienaber, admitted that the injuries were unfortunate, but he was excited to see what Skosan, Sadie and Zwelendaba would bring to the match. “We really wanted to see all three players in action, but due to injuries we won’t have that opportunity,” said Nienaber. “That said, Courtnall is a Springbok so he knows what to expect at this level, while Carlü and Mnombo have come through the Junior Springbok structures and have great potential, so we are excited to see them in action.” The Springbok Gold and Green coaches, Deon Davids and Mzwandile Stick, will announce their match-day squads on Wednesday. Issued by SA Rugby Communications The domestic rugby season will burst back into life with seven weeks of high-calibre local rugby as Vodacom Super Rugby returns – Unlocked!
The competition went into lockdown with the rest of South Africa at the end of March but returns with three added teams and a chase to a unique finale in November. The four, existing Vodacom Super Rugby teams – Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks and DHL Stormers – have been joined by the Toyota Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas and Tafel Lager Griquas, with all 21 matches broadcast live on SuperSport. The season will resume at 19h00 on Friday, 9 October when the Cell C Sharks take on the Emirates Lions in Durban while the following day the Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls will host the Phakisa Pumas (at 16h30), and Tafel Lager Griquas (19h00) respectively. The DHL Stormers have a bye in the opening round, but they will host the Emirates Lions the following week, when the men from Johannesburg will face the Capetonians at DHL Newlands on Saturday 17 October at 19h00. “We’d like to thank all our stakeholders in getting to this point,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO. “It has been an extremely trying time but thanks to Vodacom, SuperSport and the seven teams involved we are able to resume rugby with a really exciting series of matches featuring the best players in the country. “We have had to make some major format changes and look at creative ways to look after everyone’s needs but we think between now and the end of the season – which will only be in January next year – we will provide rugby and entertainment to excite the fans once more.” Michelle van Eyden, Vodacom’s Executive Head of Sponsorships, said: “The success of Vodacom Super Fan Saturday and the energy and passion of the players and fans was a fantastic way to celebrate the restart of rugby, and to get South Africans connected again around their shared passion for the game. “There is now a palpable excitement brimming over about the coming season of Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked. “The players are itching to go. The fans are ready to get behind their teams. Vodacom is grateful to join all of our rugby partners in what is going to be an unlocking of the real heart and spirit of South African rugby on our fields. This is going to be a true festival and showcase of South African rugby’s current and future stars,” she added. Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked concludes on the weekend of 20/21 November, with matches in Pretoria (Vodacom Bulls v Phakisa Pumas – Friday 20 November at 19h00), Bloemfontein (Toyota Cheetahs v Tafel Lager Griquas – Saturday 21 November at 16h30) and Durban (Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers – Saturday 21 November at 19h00). The team at the top of the standings at this stage of the season, will be crowned Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked champions, after which all log points will be transferred to the Currie Cup (fixtures to be announced in due course). For all the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked fixtures, click here. Issued by SA Rugby Communication A buzz of excitement filled the team hotels of the Springbok Green and Gold squads in Cape Town on Sunday as the players arrived at camp masked up and ready to begin their preparations for the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown at DHL Newlands on Saturday, 3 October.
For the Rugby World Cup winners, it was the first time they met under the Springbok emblem since their Trophy Tour in November last year, and for the new players and young guns it was a case of soaking up the scenery as they rubbed shoulders with a few of their heroes for the first time in the national set-up. The teams will begin their on-field preparations on Monday after having team meetings and being briefed on the COVID-19 safety protocols on Sunday. “It was fantastic to see the excitement on the players’ faces for this occasion when they arrived at the hotel and it certainly bodes well for a great showdown on Saturday,” Jacques Nienaber, Springbok head coach and Gold team commissioner. “One could sense the excitement and camaraderie among the Rugby World Cup-winning players to be back together for the first time since lifting the Webb Ellis Cup last year, while the new players and young guns were in great spirits and thrilled to be part of the national set-up. “This week is going to be different for us due to the strict COVID-19 safety protocols, but fortunately the players have all been exposed to these safety guidelines at their provincial unions in the last few weeks. “It is clear that everyone is excited to get into the swing of things when we begin our on-field training on Monday.” The teams will kick off the week’s activities with some gym work on Monday morning, followed by light field sessions in the afternoon. Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby Director of Rugby and Springbok Green team commissioner, said it was great for the players to get together again after such a long absence because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “During lockdown, Jacques and his assistant coaches kept in touch with the players by means of regular virtual meetings,” said Erasmus. “However, nothing beats that feeling of being back in an actual team environment. Apart from the few training activities, which will not be heavily loaded, we will also spend a lot of time on aligning the players in both squads regarding our team objectives for the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown. “Everyone are excited to be together again and we are looking forward to working with the players in the build-up to Saturday’s match.” Deon Davids and Mzwandile Stick, the respective coaches of the Gold and Green squads, will announce their match day squads on Wednesday afternoon. Issued by SA Rugby Communications The Springboks will begin their defence of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship with an away match against Argentina – in Brisbane – before a ‘home’ game against the Wallabies in Sydney, it was announced overnight as SANZAAR unveiled the competition fixtures.
South Africa’s participation in the event still has to be confirmed but SANZAAR has revealed the intended playing schedule for the 12-match, six-week tournament, which will take place in Australia (in Brisbane, Newcastle and Sydney) between November 7 and December 12. The Boks are scheduled to play back-to-back matches against New Zealand – with an away game in Sydney before ‘hosting’ the same opponents in Newcastle – before the tournament returns to Sydney for the final two rounds. South Africa’s participation remains conditional on the relaxation of the government’s current ban on international sporting participation and the outcome of assessments of high performance and player welfare issues. SANZAAR explained the incoming teams (Argentina, New Zealand and South Africa) would be required to observe all health regulations around their squads as imposed by the New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland governments. The teams will be kept separate by operating within a ‘bubble’ during this period with all teams operating in clean environments controlled by NSW police. The wellness of the squads will be continually monitored in line with NSW Heath requirements. SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos said: “It has taken a lot of hard work to get to this point, but we are delighted that we can now confirm the match dates and venues for The Rugby Championship 2020. The Rugby Championship is one of the game’s showpiece events and includes some of the best rugby talent in the world. “The six double-header Saturdays are a first for the tournament and will produce an exciting feast of rugby for spectators at the venues who will actually be getting two world class international tests for the price of one entry ticket. Thanks to our committed family of broadcasters this action will also be delivered to the living rooms of our overseas rugby fans providing a rugby feast similar to what we experienced a year ago with the Rugby World Cup,” added Marinos. Kick-off times for the double-header matches will be announced in due course. The Castle Lager Rugby Championship 2020 fixtures Round One - Saturday 7 November 2020 Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Argentina v South Africa Australia v New Zealand Round Two - Saturday 14 November Bankwest Stadium, Sydney New Zealand v Argentina South Africa v Australia Round Three - Saturday 21 November ANZ Stadium, Sydney New Zealand v South Africa Australia v Argentina Round Four – Saturday 28 November McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle Argentina v Australia South Africa v New Zealand Round Five – Saturday 5 December Bankwest Stadium, Sydney Argentina v New Zealand Australia v South Africa Round Six – Saturday 12 December ANZ Stadium, Sydney South Africa v Argentina Australia v New Zealand Issued by SA Rugby Communications The 2020 SA Rugby Under-21 Championship, featuring five provincial sides, will kick off on Sunday 4 October and will be played at one venue – Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg – culminating in the final on 30 October, SA Rugby announced on Wednesday.
The Xerox Lions Under-21 side will welcome their counterparts from the Cell C Sharks, Toyota Free State, DHL Western Province and Vodacom Blue Bulls to their iconic stadium for this exciting, action packed and streamlined tournament. All teams will play each once, with semi-finals and a final to conclude this showpiece of the best emerging South African rugby talent, with two matches to take place every four days. The hosts will take on Toyota Free State in their opening match on Sunday 4 October, a couple of hours after the North-South derby between DHL Western Province and defending champions, the Vodacom Blue Bulls. The Cell C Sharks have a bye in the first round. SA Rugby’s Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, expressed his excitement with the tournament. “The Under-21 competition provides an important pipeline in our player development and scouting set-up, as well as a showcase for unions in terms of contracting senior players,” said Erasmus. “Traditionally, some exciting players emerged from this tournament and this time it will be no different. It will be great to see this age group showcasing their talents. “A lot of the players have already been spotted in our Elite Player Development structures, and we will be monitoring their progress with keen interest.” All five teams will be based in Johannesburg for the duration of the tournament. Current COVID-19 regulations will be in effect, with no spectators allowed and limited working personnel allowed in the stadium on match days. The SA Rugby U21 Championship fixtures for 2020 are (kick-off times to be confirmed): Sunday 4 October (Round One) DHL Western Province v Vodacom Blue Bulls Toyota Free State v Xerox Lions Bye: Cell C Sharks Thursday 8 October (Round Two) Vodacom Blue Bulls v Toyota Free State Xerox Lions v Cell C Sharks Bye: DHL Western Province Monday 12 October (Round Three) DHL Western Province v Cell C Sharks Xerox Lions v Vodacom Blue Bulls Bye: Toyota Free State Friday 16 October (Round Four) DHL Western Province v Toyota Free State Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Blue Bulls Bye: Xerox Lions Tuesday 20 October (Round Five) Toyota Free State v Cell C Sharks Xerox Lions v DHL Western Province Bye: Vodacom Blue Bulls Semi-finals: Sunday 25 October Final: Friday 30 October Issued by SA Rugby Communications Thirty-two capped Springboks – 13 of whom were part of the Rugby World Cup-winning squad in Japan a year ago – a number of Blitzboks and recent Junior Boks are among a roster of 93 players in the draft squad for the historic Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October.
Fifty of these players will end up in the two squads – Green and Gold – for the momentous match scheduled for DHL Newlands in two weeks’ time. The Green team will be coached by Mzwandile Stick, with Rassie Erasmus as team commissioner, while Deon Davids and Jacques Nienaber will be in charge of the Gold squad. The players, all of whom are based in South Africa, will be drafted into two squads of 25 each by the respective team commissioners and coaches, with equal representation amongst all positions. Furthermore, each squad will be augmented by seven rookies, all of whom will return to their provinces the day before the match if they are not required to step into either squad as replacements. The draft picks will take place live on SuperSport on Friday 25 September, and the squads will gather in Cape Town on Sunday 27 September. “We’ve cast the net very wide for this match, which is a very exciting prospect – as Springbok coaches, we can’t wait to start working with the players,” said Erasmus. “To make this a meaningful exercise, the match-day squads will be only 25 players, but we’ve decided to increase each squad with the seven young guns for a number of reasons. “Firstly, we have to make provision should squad members pick up injuries or become ill and have to be replaced, in line with COVID-19 regulations. “This match also provides us with a great opportunity for our younger players to rub shoulders with more experienced Springboks, especially since many of them missed out on Junior Springbok representation this year.” Erasmus explained that the squad of 93 players were identified during Vodacom Super Rugby and the Guinness PRO14 earlier in the year, and last year’s Currie Cup, and that the younger players on the list have been part of SA Rugby’s Elite Player Development (EPD) programme in the last couple of years. A total of 32 players featured for the Junior Springboks between 2016 and 2019, which Erasmus was particularly pleased about. “Even if they don’t make the final squads, it shows that our pathway from junior to senior level – as part of the EPD programme – works very well and it was especially exciting to see many of these players getting opportunities at franchise level in the last two seasons,” said Erasmus. A number of players who are currently injured were not considered for the match, including World Rugby and SA Rugby Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit, as well as RWC-winner Sbu Nkosi and Aphelele Fassi, both of whom were in good form for the Cell C Sharks earlier in the year. Erasmus added: “This draft list is very dynamic and we’re working closely with the unions to determine players’ availability, so it’s not impossible that the names can still change before Friday, when we do the actual picks.” Castle Lager Springbok Showdown draft squad: Props: Frans Malherbe*, Thomas du Toit*, Steven Kitshoff*, Trevor Nyakane*, Lizo Gqoboka^, Ox Nche^, Marcel van der Merwe^, Ruan Dreyer^, Dylan Smith, Carlu Sadie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Luan de Bruin, Sti Sithole, Nathan McBeth, Mzamo Majola, Johannes Jonker, John-Hubert Meyer. Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi*, Scarra Ntubeni^, Dylan Richardson, Johan Grobbelaar, Schalk Erasmus, Fez Mbatha, Dan Jooste. Locks: Jason Jenkins^, Marvin Orie^, Oupa Mohoje^, JD Schickerling, Emile van Heerden, Le Roux Roets, Hyron Andrews, Ruben van Heerden, Salmaan Moerat, Sintu Manjezi, Walt Steenkamp, Reinhard Nothnagel, Ruan Vermaak, Ruben Schoeman. Looseforwards: Siya Kolisi*, Duane Vermeulen*, Sikhumbuzo Notshe^, Arno Botha^, Marco van Staden^, Nizaam Carr^, Jaco Kriel^, Ernst van Rhyn, Celimpilo Gumede, Jaco Coetzee, James Venter, Junior Pokomela, Phepsi Buthelezi, Thembelani Bholi, Vincent Tshituka, Elrigh Louw, Jeandré Rudolph, Juarno Augustus, Muller Uys, Len Massyn. Scrumhalves: Herschel Jantjies*, Embrose Papier^, Ivan van Zyl^, Jaden Hendrikse, Sanele Nohamba. Flyhalves: Elton Jantjies*, Damian Willemse*, Curwin Bosch^, George Whitehead, Kade Wolhuter, Manie Libbok. Centres: Frans Steyn*, Lukhanyo Am*, Burger Odendaal, Jeremy Ward, Clinton Swart, Manuel Rass, Marius Louw, Rikus Pretorius, Wandisile Simelane, Werner Kok, Dan du Plessis, Ruhan Nel. Outside backs: Warrick Gelant*, Travis Ismaiel^, Cornal Hendricks^, Courtnall Skosan^, Rabz Maxwane, Rosko Specman, Seabelo Senatla, Sergeal Petersen, Yaw Penxe, David Kriel, Gianni Lombard, Malcolm Jaer. * denotes Springbok RWC squad members ^ denotes capped Springbok Test players Issued by SA Rugby Communications The board of SA Super Rugby (Pty) Ltd – which trades as the Southern Kings – has placed the insolvent company into voluntary liquidation to secure the longer-term financial future of rugby in Eastern Province.
The shareholders – the Eastern Province Rugby Union (EPRU) and SA Rugby – took the decision in the face of an accumulated deficit of R55m, and with zero income in prospect for the remainder of 2020. “The hard fact is that the Kings are insolvent, with significant debts and zero assets and it would have been reckless of the board to continue to trade,” said Mr Andre Rademan, chairman of the board. “Its continuation would have required loans from the EPRU and loans additional to the R45m that the company already owes to SA Rugby. “In the absence of any rugby in 2020, and without any guarantees as to income prospects for 2021, it would have been financially irresponsible of the shareholders to have pumped in further funding.” Mr Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, said that extending additional credit to an insolvent entity at a time when the rugby industry is required to make a saving of R1.2bn to stay afloat this year was not an option. “The history of the Kings has been one of expectation and anticipation but unfortunately the parallel story of commercial failure couldn't be wished away any longer,” said Mr Alexander. “The debts the organisation has accumulated over the years are considerable and in the current environment the only certainty was that they would grow. “The membership of SA Rugby has invested heavily in the Kings project but it is now time for a re-examination of what is the appropriate and sustainable pathway for rugby in the Eastern Province.” SA Rugby resumed ownership of a 74 percent shareholding in the Kings in June following the failure of the previous owners – the Greatest Rugby Company in the Whole Wide World (GRC) – to honour contractual commitments in relation to its purchase of the shares. The GRC had acquired the shareholding in January 2019 but was unable to deliver on the promised turnaround strategy. The Kings’ struggle to build a sustainable business model had twice seen it fall into management control by SA Rugby. Mr Rademan said: “It’s time for the Eastern Province rugby community to consolidate and take stock. “We have managed to put in firm foundations at the EPRU, after historic financial troubles, and we can look to build rugby in the region from that platform. “It gives us the opportunity to re-focus on creating a business model that is sustainable and right for rugby in the Eastern Province.” Mr Rademan said that the decision had been communicated to staff and players. “This is very difficult news to give to people and the board would not have wanted it this way. But sport is a business and we are in unprecedented times. There was no other option.” Southern Kings timeline:
Issued by SA Rugby Communications South Africa’s seven franchises will battle it out for Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup honours when the domestic season resumes next month, after a complete re-working of fixtures and competition structures has been forced by the six-month interruption.
Following the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday matches in Pretoria (26 September) and the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown in Cape Town (3 October), the seven provincial teams will head into a double round of local action over 16 weekends with two trophies up for grabs – Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and the Currie Cup. The first round of matches – from 10 October to 21 November – will be for Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked honours, with the winner coming from whichever of the Vodacom Bulls, Cell C Sharks, Emirates Lions, DHL Stormers, Toyota Cheetahs, Tafel Lager Griquas or Phakisa Pumas has the most log points. All log points will then be carried forward into the second round – the Currie Cup from 28 November to 9 January 2021 – which will culminate in semi-finals (16 January) and a final on 23 January next year. The Toyota Free State Cheetahs will defend the crown they won in 2019 against the Vodacom Blue Bulls, Xerox Golden Lions, Tafel Lager Griquas, Phakisa Pumas, Cell C Sharks and DHL Western Province. “We are very grateful for the excellent cooperation we’ve had from our sponsors, broadcast partner, the unions and other stakeholders to get to a point where we can actually start looking forward to actual rugby matches on weekends again,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby. “Depending on our participation in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, we’ll see our top local Springboks in action in the coming weeks and months. “The impact of the pandemic on the season has been extraordinary and we have had to come up with an extraordinary solution to be able to complete the Vodacom Super Rugby season and contest the Currie Cup. We believe that this is the best solution for everyone involved. “All the teams will face each other home and away, and will enjoy two byes during the four months we believe will deliver top-class local rugby and unearth the next generation of stars for South African rugby.” SA Rugby also announced a five-team Provincial Under-21 competition between the Blue Bulls, Free State, Golden Lions, Sharks and Western Province. The details of this competition, as well as the Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup fixtures will be confirmed shortly. Issued by SA Rugby Communication Springbok Women’s coach Stanley Raubenheimer and key players, Nolusindiso Booi (lock) and Zintle Mpupha (centre), expressed their excitement about the 2021 Rugby World Cup on Friday as they celebrated exactly one year to go to the kick-off of the international showpiece in New Zealand.
It was an equally big day for South Africa U20 Women’s coach, Laurian Johannes, who made history last year by becoming the first female head coach of a South African national rugby team, as she was unveiled as the team’s coaching intern for the RWC in line with World Rugby’s commitment to supporting the development of female coaches. The tournament, which is the first Women’s Rugby World Cup to be hosted in the southern hemisphere, will be held in New Zealand from 18 September to 16 October 2021. It will mark the Springbok Women’s first appearance in the World Cup since 2014. “It is great that there is a such a big occasion for us to look forward to a year from now,” said Raubenheimer. “It has been a challenging six months with the team not being able to do much more than home-based training due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it was necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. “That said, it has been pleasing to see the players following their conditioning programmes and putting in the hard work behind the scenes, and we are all itching to get back on the field.” Booi, who reclaimed the captaincy after recovering from surgery to repair a fracture to her foot, said: “I am very excited and overwhelmed at the same time. Playing in the World Cup will be a dream come true for most of the players, so it is a notable milestone, and the anticipation is certainly being complimented by hard work. “When we take the field we will no longer be representing ourselves, but rather our country, so we know it is going to be a great challenge, but we are really looking forward to.” Mpupha echoed her skipper’s sentiments and said: “One year from now the team will be in New Zealand ready to kick off our World Cup campaign, and the fact we are now at a stage where we can count down to the event makes this occasion even more exciting. “This will mark the team’s first appearance in the World Cup since 2014, which makes next year’s showpiece even more significant for us. There is a lot of work ahead in the next year, but we are determined to go out there and be competitive.” Meanwhile, Raubenheimer was delighted about the announcement that Johannes would accompany the team to the extravaganza as the official coaching intern as part of World Rugby’s 2017-25 Women in Rugby Strategic Plan, whereby they have set an ambitious target to have a minimum of 40% female coaches at the 2025 World Cup. “Laurian is a passionate coach whose success within the junior structures at Western Province, and with the SA U20 Women’s team last year in their series victory against Zimbabwe is a testament to her coaching abilities,” said Raubenheimer. “There is no doubt that the experience she will gain from travelling with the team to the World Cup will boost her coaching career and set her in good stead going forward.” Johannes, who participated in the 2010 Rugby World Cup as a player, was ecstatic about being part of another World Cup in a vastly different capacity. “This is surreal – I am extremely excited about this opportunity to showcase my talent on the world stage with the senior national team, and about the chance to be exposed to the best of the best in coaching in the women’s game. It is going to be a great learning experience,” she said. Issued by SA Rugby Communication |
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