It’s been 22 days since permission was granted for matches to resume, however, the delayed response in contact training has added to the frustrations of the players and supporters.

Due to the delay, the Currie Cup is now expected to kick-off during the first weekend in October, and for the first time the history of the domestic competition, it will span over two years.

The tournament will feature seven teams in a double-round competition, with the final to be played in January.

The Toyota Free State Cheetahs are the defending Currie Cup champions after beating the Golden Lions 31-28 in Bloemfontein last year. The other teams competing will be the Blue Bulls, Sharks, Western Province, Griquas and Pumas.

The Southern Kings were expected to make their long-awaited return to the Premier Division of the Currie, however, earlier in the week the Port Elizabeth-based franchise withdrew from all rugby for the remainder of the year due to financial reasons. 

This in itself has seen the beginning of a player exodus with the captain JC Astle heading to France a medical joker, while the exciting former Junior Springbok, Elrigh Louw, will be heading to the Bulls. More departures are expected in the coming weeks.

SA Rugby is yet to confirm the approval of contact training. CEO, Jurie Roux, will be addressing the 14 unions from 10:00 to 14:00 of Friday regarding the future of rugby in South Africa.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport