Warning.

The Springboks could be set to compete under a neutral flag and without a national anthem for the rest of the Rugby World Cup after their government failed to comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency.

South Africa has yet to make the necessary amendments to abide by the new WADA code, which came into effect in 2021.

They have until October 13 to bring about the change or their flag will be banned for the rest of the tournament and they will be unable to play their anthem before games.

But the South African government is confident they will comply with the WADA code before the deadline has passed.

“Government is engaging with WADA in relation to our amendment bill, and we will provide an update in due course, but there is no way we will be in a situation where our teams will not play under the South African flag,” a sports ministry spokesperson said.

The Daily Maverick has also reported that the South African government was warned last year by their own Institute for Drug-Free Sport about what could happen if they failed to comply with the new WADA code.

The Springboks played their final pool match against Tonga last Sunday and await today’s result between Ireland and Scotland to see if they have qualified for the knockout stages with France their likely opponents.