The resumption of the sport in South Africa could see matches being played in a bio-safe environment, with one in Cape Town or Johannesburg, while the other appears to be set for Nelspruit.

The Super Rugby teams will play in the Mother City or Joburg, while Guinness PRO14 teams, as well as, the Griquas and Pumas will play at the Mbombela Stadium.

While the prospect of playing rugby again is something that excites the players, playing in Mpumalanga, will mean that the Cheetahs have played just one match in Bloemfontein all year, and that was against the Southern Kings in February.

Smith, told OFM Sport that they will do anything to play again, but it will be a huge sacrifice.

“As far as making sacrifices to play rugby again I will be the first to put things aside for it.

“But, it needs to be said that a double round Currie Cup in a bio-bubble doesn't feel all that fair to me. In particular towards many of our players’ wives. Some guys have three or four kids, some guys have young kids.

“Their wives will be left alone at home with those kids. It’s a lot more complex than saying we are will to make the sacrifice to play again.

“You want to say yes, but ultimately you fulfill more than one role above and beyond just being a rugby player.

“We are all really excited and so keen to get back and we would love to play. Just for the record, I do think a double round in a bio-bubble is pushing it at best.

“We really have to think carefully about how we are going to approach it.

“Getting back to playing rugby would obviously be an amazing step in the right direction. It just fills the whole camp with a buzz and excitement. Even just the prospect of playing does.

“Furthermore so, the fact that hopefully all of the Springboks will be allowed to play for their unions, and that the Cheetahs get an opportunity to prove to SA Rugby that we have guys that are gunning for the national side.

“We have guys that are putting their hands up for higher honours and we are a union to be reckoned with.

“We are not just a placeholder union. We want to compete with the best in the country, and we want to be seen on that level again.

“There are guys knocking on the door thanks to the PRO14.

As things stand, SA Rugby is waiting for approval from the government to resume contact training.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport