Training ban for Loftus

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union took this decision following their meeting with the Portfolio Committee for Sport earlier this week. Following the decision only the Vodacom Bulls Super 14 matches will be allowed to be played on the surface.

Already the Blue Bulls have moved their Vodacom Cup quarter-final clash against Western Province to the B-field – traditionally the team’s training ground – and not even the Super 14 team will be able to have their traditional captain’s run the night before the game on the main field.

This decision has been communicated to the Lions, Sharks and Crusaders, who will all travel to Loftus in the next few weeks for Super 14 matches at the stadium.

“We haven’t been on the field as such, as we’re not allowed to, but from the coach’s office it looks pretty good,” Bulls captain Victor Matfield said.

“We were a bit worried when we heard about the meeting earlier this week, but we were immediately told not to worry. I think the pitch is fine, and will be good for the World Cup.”

Blue Bulls coach Nico Serfontein, whose side will now have a 12:30 kickoff and will play in front of an audience who will mostly be standing on the sidelines, ala club rugby, was happy with the move.

“We understand why and at the end of the day, we have put in enough blood and sweat on that field in training to know what to do on the day.”

The Bulls reseeded the playing pitch just more than a month ago with the traditional winter grass and the ground has been untouched since.

Well, almost, as two wild ducks have made the pristine grass their home in recent days, being the only ones allowed on the playing field.