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Cape Town - Sharks and Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach has cleared up confusion regarding his availability for the national team.
Reinach’s inclusion in Springbok coach Allister Coetzee’s first squad of the year raised a few eyebrows as he had recently signed a deal to join English club Northampton Saints.
In terms of SA Rugby’s new stipulation, no overseas-based Springbok players who do not boast more than 30 green-and-gold caps can in future turn out for the country, a policy that involves a reprieve in World Cup years.
The policy only kicks in after the Springboks' three-Test series against France in June and the understanding was that the 10-Test capped Reinach would not have been available for the national team later in the year.
However, the scrumhalf cleared up the confusion by stating that his contract with the Sharks runs until the end of the year, before he will join his new club.
He will therefore be available for Springbok selection in the Rugby Championship, as well as their year-end tour to Europe.
Reinach confirmed the news via his official Twitter account:
Incorrect information is spreading a whole lot of confusion. To clear it all up. I'm contracted with the Sharks untill the end of the year..
— cobus reinach (@c_reinach) March 29, 2017
... Furthermore, my contract with Northampton ensures that I'm available to play for the Springboks if they choose to select me.
— cobus reinach (@c_reinach) March 29, 2017
