It is NOT the Currie Cup after all
NEWS: Sir Donald Currie’s donation to South African rugby will not be up for grabs this year.
The seven-team domestic competition – apart from the surprising name – will also kick off much later than expected.
@rugby365com can reveal that – despite widespread reporting in the media – the competition will not be called the Currie Cup.
In fact, the working title for the competition is Super Rugby Zans Afrika 2020.
And a provisional starting date is October 10.
SA Rugby, who have so far only referred to it as a ‘domestic’ competition, on Tuesday confirmed that the ‘franchises’ have been given the green light to resume with full contact training.
However, the national controlling body was holding back on the details of the proposed competition.
“An announcement on the proposed competition structure for the rest of the season will be made as soon as all the details have been ironed out with Government and the various other stakeholders,” SA Rugby said in a statement.
The Bulls, Lions, Sharks, Stormers, Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas will feature in a competition that is likely to be played over a double round of home-and-away fixtures and runs into January.
Provisionally matches have been scheduled for public holidays like December 26 (also known as Boxing Day) and January 2.
@king365ed
@rugby365com
SA Rugby has confirmed that the franchises have been given the green light to resume full-contact training after all necessary health checks & other protocols required were completed.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications pic.twitter.com/z1qlWoyV84
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) September 1, 2020
#OurSharks have a Spring in their step today🌸#OurSharksForever pic.twitter.com/AvMjNptSab
— The Sharks (@TheSharksZA) September 1, 2020
Happy Spring Day #BullsFamily 💪 pic.twitter.com/sq4FIW2DYF
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) September 1, 2020
After receiving the all-clear from the government & SA Rugby, the Emirates Lions will return to contact training this week.
Monday morning had a mandatory COVID-test for all players, and the team will take to the field as soon as the results are in.#LionsPride pic.twitter.com/AswXwVdABq
— Emirates Lions (@LionsRugbyCo) August 31, 2020