Rugby Championship trophy (Getty Images)

• While rugby is set to return to South Africa at the end of the month, there is still no news as to whether the Springboks will take their place in the Rugby Championship.
• SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux has indicated that plans are still being pursued to allow the Springboks to defend their title.
• The Rugby Championship is scheduled to start on 7 November in Australia.

While South Africans were greeted with news of the return of local rugby on Tuesday afternoon there was still no clarification as to whether the Springboks would play in the upcoming Rugby Championships or not.

SA Rugby confirmed that the local season will resume on 26 September with a friendly double-header at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, when the Bulls take on the Sharks and the Lions battle the Stormers on Super Fan Saturday.

READ | The wait is over! Rugby returns to South Africa in late September

That will be followed by  the Springbok Showdown, a unique match that will pit the best local stars and top, up-and-coming talent against each other on 3 October with two teams, Springbok Green and Springbok Orange picked by directory of rugby, Rassie Erasmus and Springbok coach, Jacques Nienaber.

The third element of rugby’s return sees a double round local competition between seven franchises, which kicks off on the weekend of 10 October.

But news whether the Springboks will take part in the Rugby Championship was not forthcoming. 

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux did confirm that plans are still being pursued in that regard but were dependent on international travel and other governmental restrictions as well as player wellness and high performance considerations.

“We’re still not in a position to confirm plans for the Springboks, but it remains our wish that they play Tests this year,” said Roux.

“It would not only be great to see the Rugby World Cup champions in action, but it would also give the Bok management valuable preparation for next year’s tour of the British & Irish Lions,” he added.

The Rugby Championship, originally scheduled for New Zealand, will be held in Australia from 7 November.

– Compiled by Sport24 staff