South Africa Rugby will make a decision next week on whether the Springboks will travel to Australiato defend their Rugby Champions title, amid uncertainty over coronavirus travel restrictions and concern about the team's readiness.
SA Rugby says "several hurdles need to be cleared if it is to be confirmed" that the Springboks participate in the four-nation Southern Hemisphere championship in Australia that runs from October 31 - December 12.
The South African government lifted the ban on international sporting participation one week ago but SA Rugby said it was seeking further clarification on the regulations.
"A final decision is likely to be finalised early next week once those clarifications had been assessed internally and with SA Rugby's SANZAAR partners," says SA Rugby.
There has also been widespread concern in the country's rugby community that players are a long way from being ready for the intensity of competition against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.
South African rugby returned to action only a fortnight ago after a long COVID-19 lockdown.
This weekend marks the re-start of the Super Rugby competition in South Africa while Super Rugby seasons have long been completed in Australia and New Zealand.
Last week, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi admitted they are "a long way off in terms of fitness and match readiness from where we were at the World Cup".
The All Blacks face the Wallabies on Sunday's in rugby's first international match since the coronavirus pandemic back in March.
Reuters
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