It’s a step in the right direction, but the South African Rugby Union (Saru) would have been forgiven had it held a glass half empty view on the easing of restrictions that now allow 50% capacity at its venues.
The sport, like many others, has been hit hard financially and otherwise by the pandemic and its related restrictions. The return of fans will help ease the financial burden of putting on matches, but it will have to wait before spectators are allowed back en masse.
Saru president Mark Alexander stressed that rugby is not out of the woods, given the impact of the pandemic on the industry. “Rugby remains in ICU as we battle for sustainability, but there is now a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.
Only for vaccinated or Covid-19-negative attendees
Still, the organisation welcomed the decision that now permits venues to be half full for vaccinated or Covid-19-negative attendees.
The change in the regulations means the requirement that only 2,000 vaccinated fans would be allowed into venues has been relaxed for United Rugby Championship (URC) and Currie Cup matches.
It’s been just more than two years since SA’s rugby venues were last able to host an unrestricted audience. “This is a major relief for our sport,” said Alexander.
“These have been two incredibly tough years for our teams and we are excited to welcome more people back into stadiums for all levels of the game.”
Hunger for stadium experience
The desire to return to stadiums is evident in the brisk ticket sales for international events.
“We have seen in the response to the ticket launch of the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Cape Town in September that there is an appetite to share once again great rugby occasions with our friends and family,” said Alexander.
The organisation has six Tests to look forward to, he added. “It will be great to see the Boks running out in front of a proper crowd in SA for the first time since 2019.”
Rugby would continue to observe the necessary protocols applicable to venue attendance in relation to public health and safety, Alexander said.
The Springboks kick off their season with a three-Test series against Wales, starting at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on July 2.
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