Jaque Fourie (Gallo Images)

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Gerdie Karstens

Kimberley - The exodus of South African rugby players is not yet over.

While players aren’t expected to storm for the exit door, more will bid South Africa farwell after the series against the British and Irish Lions. The likes of Brian Mujati (Northampton), Schalk Brits (Saracens) and Frans Steyn (Racing Metro) have already been confirmed as leaving.

There is still uncertainty over the future plans of Jaque Fourie (Lions) and Jean de Villiers (Stormers).

“A number of players’ contracts are up for renewal and one or two are likely to leave, but I believe it will be a lot less than  is expected,” said South African Rugby Players Association chief executive Piet Heymans.

“It does not necessarily mean we’ll be losing those players forever. Victor Matfield, John Smit and Percy Montgomery are exampes of players who gained overseas experience and then returned.”

Sarpa are currently working with SA Rugby to keep the exodus of players to the minimum.

“We’re looking at how we can create an additional income for the players,” said Heymans.

“One of the ideas under discussion is to make them shareholders in businesses so that they can get an additional income.”

Players such as BJ Botha (Ulster) and CJ van der Linde (Leinster) have been playing overseas for some time.

Heymans says players consider the overseas option to build a nest egg for when they retire.

“The players only have a short career where they have to make enough money to last them in their life beyond rugby,” said Heymans.

“Players also feel that once they have played in a World Cup, Tri-Nations, Super 14 and against the British and Irish Lions, there is not much left to achieve.”

SA Rugby allow overseas-based players to be considered for selection, but those playing locally are first in line.