Clarity for Currie Cup Boks

 

Smit said in a statement on the Sharks website: "It was decided upon that all contracted Boks will play no part in the Currie Cup.”

 

However, SARU CEO Jurie Roux has come out and said that it is more about player management rather than a blanket ban on the inclusion of the Boks.

 

“The Springboks are our first priority and the provinces have been very supportive, which we’re very thankful for," said Roux

 

"They breed our Springboks and it will be up to them to bring the next generation through.

 

“While it’s impossible to put a blanket ban across all contracted Springboks to play for their provinces, the players utilised in the Rugby Championship will be managed on an individual basis as the necessity arises.

 

"Most of them won’t play any part in the Currie Cup, though.”

 

Roux then went on to describe what a fantastic opportunity the Currie Cup presented to a number of youngsters coming through the ranks.

 

With such a successful Under-20's team returning from New Zealand where they made the Final against England, Roux has expressed his excitement at a new generation of stars.

 

“We have already seen a number of these players making the step up to Super Rugby in the last month,” said Roux.

 

“Here I’m thinking of younger players such as Thomas du Toit, Marvin Orie, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Seabelo Senatla and Jesse Kriel, who all made their Super Rugby debuts in July.

 

“There will be more where they came from and that bodes well for South African rugby, because it’s in the Currie Cup where our players are groomed for higher honours.”

 

The Sharks will kick off the defense of the Currie Cup against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday, August 9.

 

Other first round matches will see the Juskei Derby between the Golden Lions and the Blue Bulls in Johannesburg, while the Pumas will host the Free State Cheetahs in Nelspruit.

 

The semifinals are scheduled for October 18 and the final will be played a week later, on Saturday October  25 .