South Africa
Springboks resting policy only an 'understanding'
ESPN Staff
March 19, 2015
Sharks and Springboks hooker Bismarck du Plessis may not be rested © Getty Images
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The South African Rugby Union won't force its Super Rugby sides to rest leading Springboks players ahead of this year's Rugby World Cup.

The governing body looked to have reached an agreement with its franchises earlier this year whereby Springboks players would play no more than five straight weeks and certain top players would be rested for between two and four matches.

But SARU chief executive Jurie Roux moved to clarify the situation on Wednesday, saying the agreement was merely an "understanding" and not legally binding. Roux said it was not within SARU's operating power to force the Bulls, Cheetahs, Lions, Sharks and Stormers to follow the agreed guidelines.

"The players are primarily the assets of the Unions and they will have their different dynamics and needs at different stages of the season," Roux said in a SARU statement.

"We worked towards the understanding to prioritise Springbok readiness for the international season and the Rugby World Cup but we realise it is a balancing act for coaches in terms of juggling their union's needs and the national interest. The important thing for SARU was to take the initiative to try and find a solution to questions relating to player workload. If we get 90% compliance during the season it will be a 100% improvement on where we were a year ago when no player could expect any break.

"If franchises feel they are unable to stick to the letter of the understanding that is less than ideal but we would expect them to stick as close to it as possible in the interests of the Springboks."

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