It is now likely that there will be no rugby this weekend, as both the Springboks game against GeorgianRugby and the BlueBullsRugby tour match against the lionsofficial have been hit with an outbreak of Covid-related positive tests IOLsport
“The priority is to maintain the integrity of the Test series and we will continue to focus on that.”
The Springboks team announcement was postponed on Monday after Bok lock Lood de Jager tested positive for Covid-19 in scheduled testing. Due to his close proximity to his teammates, the entire squad was put into self-isolation by the MAG. The entire squad and management went for PCR tests yesterday morning and it is those tests that have indicated the development of the cluster.It was expected that the matchday 23 to face the Georgians on the day would have possibly represented the first choice team to play the B&I Lions later this month, as a raft of overseas-based players were expected to be selected by Bok coach Jacques Nienamber.
Meanwhile, the Blue Bulls Company, Edgar Rathbone, indicated late last night that the tentative plan is to reschedule the tour match on Tuesday, June 20 - five days before the first Test between the Boks and B&I Lions. Said Rathbone: “Obviously, firstly we need to look after the players and make sure they are safe and healthy.”