How will the Springboks react to the new resting policy?

With just a few months until the Rugby World Cup kicks off in Great Britain this September, The South African Rugby Union is now in talks to change its policies regarding the resting periods of its Super Rugby sides.

Though nothing official has been confirmed just yet, sources surrounding the Springboks team claim that governing bodies have reached an agreement with their franchises concerning their rest breaks. The sources say that the new policies would ensure that Springbok players play no more than five consecutive weeks, while the team’s top players could even rest for between two and four matches.

However, despite the claims, SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux said that the policies were little more than an “understanding” and as such were not legally binding. In a statement from SA Rugby, Roux said: “The players are primarily the assets of the Unions and they will have their different dynamics and needs at different stages of the season.”

While it may not be great news for Roux, doubtless the Springboks will want to take advantage of the potential new policy. In January 2015, an interview with the Springboks in Union Sports Magazine revealed just how the team like to spend their downtime. Many of us may picture athletes chilling back in saunas or perhaps enjoying a few drinks in a string of five star hotels, but the reality for the Springboks stars is actually very different.

In a bid to work on their mental strength while resting their bodies, the athletes admitted that online poker was one great way of winding down in the run up to important matches. It is no wonder that the game is so popular; with strategic planning skills required, it makes for a great ‘mental workout.’ Moreover, in the last decade, legislation surrounding online gambling has been more lenient in South Africa, giving rise to sites like Yeboyes Casino, which points players in the direction of the best deals in various game sites.

Of course, while these sites also provide information on other types of online betting, sports betting on one’s own sport is currently illegal in South African Rugby Union. It’s something which could potentially be subject to change, but for now, the debate concerning players’ rest breaks is at the forefront of officials’ minds.

Roux continued: “We worked towards the understanding to prioritise Springbok readiness for the international season and the Rugby World Cup but we realise it is a balancing act for coaches in terms of juggling their union’s needs and the national interest.

“The important thing for SARU was to take the initiative to try and find a solution to questions relating to player workload. If we get 90 per cent compliance during the season it will be a 100 per cent improvement on where we were a year ago when no player could expect any break.”