Overseas-based players will now be debarred from wearing the famous Springboks jersey. The South African Rugby Union is adamant to entitle players at the international level based on country’s domestic competitions. The new stern measures would come into effect by the end of next month’s global tournament in France, which begins on 7 September and ends in Paris on 20 October.
The decision comes in retaliation and resentment shown by the SARU in wake of the recent departure of international players to major clubs in England and France.
The South African Rugby Union President Oregan Hoskins said:
We want to reward the guys who play at home, to encourage our best players to stay here. Guys who go overseas to make some good, quick money won’t be helping our rugby system and structures in any way. If we allow them to keep leaving, we’ll also be robbing the South African public of seeing the best players in action.
SARU had earlier lifted the same imposed ban in 2004 following a request of Springbok coach Jake White. Moreover, SARU seem to follow the similar line of action adopted by the two other Tri-Nations sides New Zealand and Australia.
The elimination of foreign-based players will finally witness some significant player’s likes of John Smit, Victor Matfield, Butch James and couple of others out of the Springboks side after the World Cup.
Via: Bloomberg
