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Cape Town - The South African Rugby Union
(CEO) is considering putting a quota on the number of overseas players allowed
in the Springbok team.
This follows after Bok coach Heyneke Meyer picked 10 overseas players in his 30-man
squad for the Boks' home leg in the upcoming Rugby Championship.
The 10 players are: Zane Kirchner (fullback), Bryan Habana (wing), Morné Steyn
(flyhalf), Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Jano Vermaak (all scrumhalves),
Francois Louw (flank) Juandré Kruger (lock), Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker) and
Gurthrö Steenkamp (prop).
In an interview with Die Burger's website,
SARU CEO Jurie Roux said they could in future have a limit on the number of overseas Boks.
"Yes, it's something we are considering. But within the context of a
constantly changing industry that is fast developing into a global sport rather
than just being a national sport in terms of opportunities offered," said
Roux.
"Players playing locally will always get first consideration, provided
that the selectors have faith in their abilities.
"However, we are in a unique current situation with six players (Kirchner,
Habana, Steyn, Vermaak, Kruger and Ralepelle), who were part of the Bok squad
this past year, now deciding to go overseas. You can't just replace so many
players in the middle of the season.
"But these players know their chances of playing for South Africa in
future cannot be guaranteed."
Roux said it could offer an opportunity for new young players to make a name
for themselves but nevertheless confirmed they will be attending to the matter.
"Naturally, it is concerning and we are working on a plan to ensure that
our top players do not head abroad."
The Boks start their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina at FNB
Stadium on Saturday, August 17.
Backs: Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Bryan Habana, Juan de Jongh, Zane Kirchner, Patrick Lambie, Ruan Pienaar, Fourie du Preez, Willie le Roux, Jan Serfontein, Morné Steyn, Jano Vermaak, Jean de Villiers (captain)
Forwards: Willem Alberts, Marcell Coetzee, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Juandre Kruger, Francois Louw, Flip van der Merwe, Franco van der Merwe, Tendai Mtawarira, Trevor Nyakane, Coenie Oosthuizen, Bismarck du Plessis, Jannie du Plessis, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Adriaan Strauss, Gurthrö Steenkamp, Duane Vermeulen
