Sports
Carrick agrees two-year deal to remain Man Utd head coach
Michael Carrick has agreed to a two-year deal to remain Manchester United's head coach.
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
SA clubs could withdraw from European competitions
TL;DR
South African Rugby Union is reviewing its schedule, which may lead to local clubs withdrawing from European competitions. This decision could significantly impact both domestic and international rugby calendars.
Key points
- South African Rugby Union is reviewing its schedule
- Potential withdrawal from European Champions and Challenge Cups
- Strategic planning session to occur before the end of July
- Players compete year-round in domestic and international matches
Mentioned in this story
South African Rugby Union
European Champions CupEuropean Challenge CupUnited Rugby Championship
The Stormers beat the Bulls to win the URC in 2022 [Getty Images]
A major review into the schedule of South African rugby union is to be held by the country's governing body, which could have wide-reaching ramifications for the domestic and international calendar.
South African Rugby Union (Saru) will undertake a "strategic planning session" before the end of July and, while it insists any predictions are "premature", one live possibility is the withdrawal of South African teams from the European Champions and Challenge Cups.
As it stands, many South African players are in action 12 months a year - given they play domestically in Europe in the United Rugby Championship (URC) between September and June, and then in international competition in July and August.
Saru says the review is in response to the "need to find a competitions schedule that does not compromise the health of players or the performance of teams".
The statement added: "The views of all internal stakeholders will be canvassed and workshopped on the domestic and international playing calendar for South African players."
- Cardiff beat Stormers to clinch URC play-off spot
- Nations Championship to open with six-Test Saturday
The South African professional teams were involved in the southern hemisphere domestic competition, Super Rugby, since its inception in 1996.
However, Saru administrators had long favoured a move north to Europe, given the similar time zone, and four South African sides - Stormers, Bulls, Sharks and Lions - joined the URC in 2020.
European Professional Club Rugby then welcomed South African teams into the Champions and Challenge Cups from 2022 onwards.
The South African sides made an immediate mark in the URC, with Stormers winning the title in their first full season and Bulls making three of the past four finals, and are now locked into the league as permanent shareholders.
Q&A
Why are South African clubs considering withdrawal from European competitions?
South African clubs may withdraw due to a review of their rugby schedule, which has players competing year-round without adequate breaks.
What is the timeline for the South African Rugby Union's strategic planning session?
The strategic planning session by the South African Rugby Union is scheduled to take place before the end of July.
What competitions could South African teams withdraw from?
South African teams are considering withdrawing from the European Champions and Challenge Cups.
How does the current schedule affect South African rugby players?
Currently, many South African players are active for 12 months a year, competing in both domestic and international matches without sufficient rest.
