South Africa's preparations for the upcoming Rugby Championship have taken a massive hit, after flanker Oupa Mohoje tested positive for COVID-19.
Mohoje was due to play in this weekend's 'Springbok Showdown', which sees two South African squads go head to head as a trial for the Rugby Championship squad.
The 35-year-old is reportedly asymptomatic, but withdrew from the team as a precaution, while teammate Trevor Nyakane has also withdrawn, after being in contact with Mohoje.
Springboks assistant Mzwandile Stick has confirmed everyone else is "safe and secure".
The Springboks are being extra cautious with their approach to keep the virus out of camp, with no players sharing rooms and strict guidelines being followed.
"Everyone is wearing masks, sanitising, social distancing," says Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi. "All the balls are sanitised and so there are real high levels of precautions.
"It's unfortunate to hear about Oupa, but everyone is doing everything they can to keep safe and comply."
The positive test in the Springboks camp comes a week after members of the Argentinian squad, including head coach Mario Ledesma, returned positive COVID-19 tests.
Springboks participation in the four-team tournament is still uncertain, with national director of rugby Rassie Erasmus saying a final decision will be made on October 10.
South African players do not seem fussed about playing in the Rugby Championship, knowing they'll be disadvantaged compared to Australia and New Zealand, who have already completed their domestic Super Rugby competitions.
"We don't know what is going to happen," says lock Duane Vermeulen. "What we are focusing on now is the Currie Cup and most of the guys are focusing on that - they are not thinking about the Championship.
"Obviously, if that did happen [the Boks] ended up playing in the Championship, we would be going in at a bit of a disadvantage.
"New Zealand and Australia started playing again months ago, and have finished their competitions.
"From our side, we are not looking at the Rugby Championship."
First-five Elton Jantjies echoed those comments.
"The main focus is Super Rugby/Currie Cup," he says. "Until it is confirmed that we are playing in the Championship, we don't have much to say about that."
If the Springboks do decide to take part in the Rugby Championship, they would fly out for Australia on October 18.
Join us for live updates of the Bledisloe Cup series first test on October 11.
