Stormers in uncharted territory with SANZAR over inclusion of Schalk Brits - Super Rugby news
The injury struck Stormers have been warned of stern sanctions if they include the loose forward Schalk Brits in their playing 15 against the Crusaders on July 2, in Newlands. The Stormers named Brits in their 22 member squad and declared that he will start
the game from the benches. SANZAR has conditionally allowed Stormers to include Schalk Brits in their side if they include two specialists loose forwards in their team.
The commotion came right before the Stormers are ready to take on the Crusaders in the second semi-final of Super Rugby on Saturday. The first semi-final of the championship will be played between Reds and Blues earlier on the same day.
The governing body of Super Rugby, SANZAR, has some reservations regarding Brits inclusion in the big match. SANZAR chief executive, Greg Peters, has cautioned the Stormers to follow the rules and regulations of the organisation as any infringement could
put them in troubled waters.
Talking to reporters, Greg Peters said that, “We have written undertakings from their CEO, and have written to them stating that these are the conditions with which we're granting it. If they were not to adhere to these conditions we would certainly be taking
it up with them.”
The Stormers have been hit hard by large injuries before the crucial match against the New Zealand derby Crusaders as three key players have been ruled out of contest. The Stormers will miss Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi and Pieter Louw and were left with
no replacements.
The Crusaders are also angry with the strange move from the Stormers. The Crusaders coach, Todd Blackadder, said that injuries are the part of game and these are very common in rugby. He asked SANZAR to take immediate steps to solve the issue and said that,
“There's nothing that we can do about it. They're bringing in a marquee player at the business end of the season, but I think that loophole will be closed... Sanzar has to look at it. Most of the teams have had to deal with injuries, and they've all coped.”
SANZAR chief executive hoped that the Stormers would abide by the rules despite large injury issues.
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