Johannesburg was named as the venue for the bio-bubble, however, due to Gauteng being the Covid-19 epicentre in South Africa, the governing body is now looking for an alternative.

The Toyota Cheetahs have put in a very good bid to host the bio-bubble.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux confirmed that they are weighing up their options.

“We’re negotiating with the government on two scenarios. One outside of a bio-bubble and one in a bio-bubble.

“It's now an issue of where that bio-bubble will be.

“Initially, the destination of choice was Johannesburg for various reasons such as availability of hotels and proximity. But Johannesburg has become a Covid-19 hotspot, although all metropolitan districts in the country have been given that classification now.

“As a result, we have to possibly reconsider and have a second alternative that we can provide to the government.

“We'll supply all that information by the end of the week and hopefully we'll get a response by next week.

“Our return-to-play date is still the last weekend of August or the first week of September.

“At the latest, we can restart the second week of September as well, which will allow us a domestic competition of sorts.

“It is essential for us to get the guys back on the pitch so that they can have enough game time before we can embark on any international competition.”

The Cheetahs have proposed that all of the matches can be hosted at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, and if push comes to shove, Tafel Lager Park in Kimberley is also an option to host matches.

Individual team advertising will also be a concern for the sponsors, but that is something that the Cheetahs have also factored in.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport