Share

Messam not allowed to face Stormers

Wellington - The Chiefs departed for South Africa without Liam Messam on Monday after SANZAAR ruled the loose forward was not eligible to play in their Super Rugby finals campaign.

Messam rejoined the Chiefs this month after missing selection for the Olympics sevens team, only for the southern hemisphere's ruling body to rule him out of the playoffs.

SANZAAR spokesperson Greg Thomas said Messam was not in the Chiefs' 40-man squad named at the start of the season, so needed a special dispensation to play.

"There's been a lot of deliberation over this," Thomas told Fairfax New Zealand.

"Special dispensation hasn't been granted because SANZAAR are satisfied that the Chiefs can field a normal, full-strength side of 23 players for the following match."

The Chiefs open their finals campaign with a last-eight clash against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

"Sometimes it's just not meant to be. They say when life gives you lemons turn it into lemonade..." Messam tweeted after the decision was made public late on Sunday.

The Chiefs will also be without centre Seta Tamanivalu, who injured his knee during Saturday night's loss to the Highlanders.

Meanwhile, the Crusaders will be without try-machine Nemani Nadolo in their clash with the Lions in Johannesburg after the Fijian wing tweaked a hamstring against the Hurricanes.

The Crusaders will also be without Test prop Joe Moody (neck) but are hoping Sam Whitelock and Andy Ellis will return from injury-enforced layoffs.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE