Hendrik Cronjé

Bloemfontein – Sevens Springbok Lionel Mapoe will be able to play Currie Cup rugby again this month.

The big question of whether he will run out for Free State or the Sharks will be answered on Thursday when the outcome of the arbitration case is expected to be announced.

Mapoe already joined the Sharks at the beginning of the Currie Cup, but is not allowed to be selected by coach John Plumtree as Free State claim that he still has a valid contract with them.

Free State therefore did not want to issue a clearance certificate for Mapoe to be able to play following minor shoulder surgery.

Free State president Harold Verster confirmed that Mapoe would be able to play Currie Cup rugby again after Thursday.

He added that Free State would accept the outcome of the arbitration. “We believe we will win.”

Coach Naka Drotské will be very interested in the outcome as he has not questioned Mapoe’s loyalty.