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Rugby Union

Boks ban overseas players

03/08/2007

The presidents' council of South Africa Rugby Union (SARU) has voted in favour of a resolution to limit national selection only to players competing in domestic competitions.

A statement from the council confirmed that there had been a meeting to discuss "key issues" surrounding the administration of the national game within South Africa.

And following a suggestion from SARU chief executive John Prinsloo, the council have passed a resolution that requires all international players to return to their homeland if they wish to be considered for selection for the Springboks.

The resolution mirrors similar selection policies already in operation in other major southern hemisphere rugby nations, including New Zealand and Australia.

"The presidents' council made this decision in the best interest of South African rugby and this measure is not uncommon," Prinsloo said.

"Our Sanzar partners, New Zealand and Australia, each have similar selection policies in place."

The new regulations, which will come into effect after the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France, are likely to significantly affect the number of South African players switching to European club rugby.

Already this summer, several Springboks stars including hooker Gary Botha, fly-half Butch James and number eight Bobby Skinstad have agreed deals to join European clubs.

Several other established stars, including captain John Smit, also ply their trade outside the borders of their home country and will need to return to South Africa if they wish to be considered for the national side.

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