The South African Rugby Union’s policy of favouring local players over overseas-based stars could be under threat, especially when the Springboks name their squad for the Castle Rugby Championship at the end of the week. Saru have been firm that there has been no change in the policy regarding players based overseas, but a recent exodus of Boks stars may make that policy shift when the Bok squad is chosen for the November tour of Europe. Currently Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer simply has no option but to choose a large contingent of players who are heading overseas this week when he picks his Bok squad to face the might of the Southern Hemisphere in the annual clashes. A quick scan of the last Bok match-23 shows at least seven of the team – and six in the starting line-up – have now taken up offers overseas and while Meyer may have no option but to choose these players now, the reality is that it is fast becoming a sticking point in the road ahead. The most obvious reason why Meyer won’t be leaving those heading overseas out of his squad is simple – it would be suicide to do so, especially as many of the current Boks heading abroad are still the best in their positions and don’t have a natural successor waiting in the wings. Meyer has always maintained he would only go overseas if there are no better options locally, but the the exodus of players will certainly put this policy to the test. Should the Bok coach decide to continue the current policy, the Bok team for the November tour will look very different indeed – especially if Pietersen and Bekker’s names are added to the list of verseas players. Either way, the tipping point has been reached and while the Bok management and Saru will play it down for the moment, the exodus will become a massive reality as the season goes on. Technically these Bok stars are still seen as local as they have not played for their new clubs just yet, but things may look a bit different in November. The Bok squad is scheduled to be chosen by the end of the week, with the team assembling next week in Johannesburg to begin their preparations for the Rugby Championship. supersport/rugby/springboks/news/130731/Springbok_overseas_policy_under_threat
Posted on: Wed, 31 Jul 2013 22:22:17 +0000
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