Out.

South African (SA) Rugby has “reluctantly” been forced to withdraw the Springboks from this year’s Rugby Championship.

The on-going complications related to the COVID-19 pandemic and concerns about seriously jeopardising player welfare made it impossible for the Springboks to commit to SANZAAR, SA Rugby said.

SANZAAR is due to make an announcement on an amended international match schedule involving Australia, New Zealand and Argentina on Friday.

The South African-based portion of what was a 46-player squad was scheduled to fly from Johannesburg on Sunday. However, government regulations as currently drafted meant it was unclear whether the team would legally be able to depart.

In addition, mounting concerns relating to player welfare were a major concern.

“With time essentially having run out, it left us with no option,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.

“This is a hugely disappointing outcome for our supporters and commercial partners but the on-going impacts of the pandemic in multiple dispensations means we are unable to deliver a Springbok team without seriously compromising player welfare.

“SANZAAR and Rugby Australia have bent over backwards to make the tournament happen and it would have been unfair on them, their partners and state government to delay a decision any longer.”