Issues with Springbok schedule as injuries rack up
· The South African
In recent weeks it has been confirmed that Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi is facing a few months on the sidelines after undergoing shoulder surgery.
He joins RG Snyman on the long-term injury list after it was revealed this week that the powerful lock has sustained a knee injury that will rule him out of action for “some time”.
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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has also picked up a troubling calf injury and there is no clear timeline for his return as the Sharks are having to monitor him on a “week by week” basis.
There have been injuries haunting several Springbok in recent times, with Pieter-Steph du Toit currently undergoing rehabilitation after a shoulder operation, while Lood de Jager is also currently in South Africa recovering from hip surgery.
Another World Cup winner, Frans Malherbe, is still facing an uncertain future due to back and neck issues, and the list goes on and on.
Almost never-ending season for top Springbok players
Injuries are part of the game, of course, but what has become increasingly clear is the fact that an almost 11-month playing schedule is far too taxing as top Springboks balance northern hemisphere domestic rugby with Test commitments, including the southern-hemisphere’s Rugby Championship
World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin has now admitted that finding a workable global season is critially important, particularly from a player welfare perspective.
“Players are at the heart of that. If you’re a South African player playing your domestic rugby in Europe and playing for the Springboks in their international competitions, including the Rugby Championship, that’s an 11-month season and it’s not sustainable at the level the game’s being played.”
Any solution in sight?
Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has repeatedly called for some form of alignment between the southern and northern hemisphere international seasons, but a global calendar remains some way off.
“We’ve got to try and find those solutions, so there’s really good recognition of that. And then of course, what does the fan want? The fan wants more alignment and more coherent global calendar,” Gilpin commented.
“There’s been good discussions but more work to do. We want to play a role as a facilitator and a driving force from a World Rugby perspective in those discussions as I think we have over a number of years and just continue to bring people together.
“There’s a commitment to continue looking at that which I think is really powerful.”