VIDEO: The 'compulsory rest period' debate

SPOTLIGHT: Stormers head coach John Dobson has shed some light on the discussions with SA Rugby over the upcoming ‘compulsory rest period’ for the top Springboks.

Speaking to media ahead of his team’s URC clash against the Sharks on Saturday, Dobson confirmed that the SA franchises are set to be without their World Cup winners in February and March.

The Boks had a similar period away from their franchises earlier this year as the Bok coaches were ramping up preparations for the World Cup campaign.

They were also given a three-week break after their success in France.

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“There has been a debate with SA Rugby on whether you individualise it because how much rugby has Lukhanyo Am played?” said Dobson,  referring to the Bok centre’s absence during the World Cup.

“As far as I know it is a blanket eight weeks for the guys from the World Cup. I don’t know if it is going to add in guys who will be considered for the Rugby Championship.

“In our case, it would be someone like Evan Roos, if he was to make the Bok team.

“Every player in South Africa is getting eight weeks. We have to manage the non-World Cup Springboks, so we must decide when we give someone like Andre-Hugo Venter a break for example.

“He must have eight weeks off which is good – two or three weeks absolute rest and then active rest and then return to training.

“As far as I understand it, February and March would be a compulsory resting period for the World Cup Springboks.

The Stormers will face the Sharks again on February 17 in Durban before another derby against the Bulls in March.

Narrowing in on that return match against John Plumtree’s side, Dobson admitted the resting period will have a big impact.

“That would probably change the look of their [Sharks] team more than ours, but it would impact both teams.”

@rugby365com