In a high-stakes negotiation saga, SA Rugby and South Africa’s United Rugby Championship (URC) teams are embroiled in urgent discussions regarding the release of key Springbok players for the upcoming Test against Wales on November 29. This fixture, scheduled outside the official World Rugby Test window, clashes with URC matches, prompting a fierce debate over compensation.
The heart of the matter lies in the compensation amount, with URC franchises demanding R500,000 (approximately £22,000) per player. SA Rugby, however, is presenting a significantly lower counteroffer. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader challenge faced globally, as clubs and national teams vie for access to top players.
"We are urgently trying to find a middle ground rather than fighting,"
a source disclosed to Rapport, indicating a keenness to resolve the issue amicably. An administrator reassured that the discussions were progressing smoothly, emphasizing that there was no risk of players being withheld from national duty.
"The Bok management team has already received a guarantee that the players will play against Wales; it’s rather a case of finding a middle ground regarding the payment per player for the Tests,"
they added.
Further complicating the landscape, Springbok players contracted in Japan are available for selection for the Tests against Japan and Wales, both set outside the international window. Rassie Erasmus plans to use these matches to bring Japan-based players up to speed and reintegrate injured players into the Test scene.
Meanwhile, Wales faces its own challenges, with head coach Steve Tandy lacking access to 12 key players due to club commitments. Despite these absences, Tandy views this as an opportunity for new talent to emerge.
"Absolutely,"
he said, when asked if the match against the Springboks could be a breakthrough for uncapped players.
"It’s a blank canvas on selection... There’s an opportunity for a cap."
As the saga unfolds, both sides remain committed to resolving the financial and logistical hurdles that stand in the way of fielding the best possible teams for the upcoming international fixtures, highlighting the ongoing tug-of-war between club commitments and international duties in professional rugby.
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In a high-stakes negotiation saga, SA Rugby and South Africa’s United Rugby Championship (URC) teams are embroiled in urgent discussions regarding the release of key Springbok players for the upcoming Test against Wales on November 29. This fixture, scheduled outside the official World Rugby Test window, clashes with URC matches, prompting a fierce debate over compensation.
The heart of the matter lies in the compensation amount, with URC franchises demanding R500,000 (approximately £22,000) per player. SA Rugby, however, is presenting a significantly lower counteroffer. The ongoing negotiations reflect a broader challenge faced globally, as clubs and national teams vie for access to top players.
"We are urgently trying to find a middle ground rather than fighting,"
a source disclosed to Rapport, indicating a keenness to resolve the issue amicably. An administrator reassured that the discussions were progressing smoothly, emphasizing that there was no risk of players being withheld from national duty."The Bok management team has already received a guarantee that the players will play against Wales; it’s rather a case of finding a middle ground regarding the payment per player for the Tests,"
they added.Further complicating the landscape, Springbok players contracted in Japan are available for selection for the Tests against Japan and Wales, both set outside the international window. Rassie Erasmus plans to use these matches to bring Japan-based players up to speed and reintegrate injured players into the Test scene.
Meanwhile, Wales faces its own challenges, with head coach Steve Tandy lacking access to 12 key players due to club commitments. Despite these absences, Tandy views this as an opportunity for new talent to emerge.
"Absolutely,"
he said, when asked if the match against the Springboks could be a breakthrough for uncapped players."It’s a blank canvas on selection... There’s an opportunity for a cap."
As the saga unfolds, both sides remain committed to resolving the financial and logistical hurdles that stand in the way of fielding the best possible teams for the upcoming international fixtures, highlighting the ongoing tug-of-war between club commitments and international duties in professional rugby.