SA Rugby on Monday confirmed the preliminary South African squads to participate in the 2005 Vodacom Rugby Super 12 competition.
Three of the four South African squads — the Cats, Sharks and Stormers — must still add players, while the Bulls have confirmed a full squad of 30 players. The final four squads of 30 must be confirmed with Sanzar by February 4.
SA Rugby MD Johan Prinsloo said that each of the final squads will contain eight black players, the most to date at this level.
This had been decided at a meeting in Johannesburg on January 10, which was attended by the deputy president of SA Rugby, the national coach, the national selectors and coaches of each of the four regional teams.
The MD described this as an important step for SA Rugby.
”The Vodacom Super 12 competition is an international competition where our players’ skills are tested against the very best of Australia and New Zealand.
”At this meeting it was decided that all contracted players and those earmarked for national selection will be tested for conditioning and vision skills. Their progress will be monitored throughout the season,” said Prinsloo.
”I am also thankful for the Sharks who agreed to include a player like Solly Tyibilika although he had moved out of their region to another province,” said Prinsloo.
The Vodacom Super 12 competition kicks off on February 25, when the Stormers clash with the Sharks in Cape Town. — Sapa