The South African rugby community is abuzz with complaints from franchises about the demanding Champions Cup schedule, but SA Rugby's chief executive Rian Oberholzer is urging teams to temper their criticism. Following significant defeats, including the Sharks' 56-17 loss to Leicester Tigers, coaches have voiced concern over their players' capabilities to compete optimally due to the extensive travel and tight scheduling.
Oberholzer's remarks come after rising frustrations among South African rugby teams, particularly the Bulls and Sharks, over the practical challenges of competing at the highest levels of European rugby. The teams are often stretching themselves thin as they juggle games between the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the Champions Cup. This duplicity has raised issues about player fatigue and injury risk.
Jake White, coach of the Bulls, expressed disappointment over the toll taken by extensive travel on performance during the Champions Cup last season. He defended his decision to field a weakened squad against Northampton Saints, highlighting the difficulties the teams face as they oscillate between competitions.
“The travel is problematic for us,” White has been quoted saying. “The players are not robots.” His sentiments echo widely among coaches, with Sharks coach John Plumtree expressing similar frustrations, stating, “I want to bring our strongest Sharks side here and play on the biggest stage. I can understand their [the fans’] frustration.”
Following the dismal showing against Leicester, Plumtree lamented the inability to field his star players due to the exhausting fixture list. “We’re all competitive. But the reality is we’ve got to look after these athletes. They are not robots. They don’t front up every week. And right now, the South African boys are treated like robots,” he emphasized.
Oberholzer, defending the structure and benefits provided by the URC and European competitions, cautioned teams against airing grievances. He warned against making comments which could offend European clubs, which he noted, “does not help our cause.”
According to Oberholzer, the South African clubs are currently benefiting from their participation, stating, “Remember, there are clubs in the European competitions [Champions Cup and Challenge Cup] who don’t want us there. We have to be careful not to shoot ourselves in the foot by constantly criticising the competitions we participate in by invitation. After all, it is our lifeblood.”
He emphasized the importance of the URC, proclaiming, “One must not forget Super Rugby kicked us out. If it wasn’t for the URC and European competitions, we would only have Currie Cup rugby to play now.”
Oberholzer pointed to the URC as a significant avenue for financial support, noting how more than half the tournament’s revenue emanates from South African broadcasting and sponsorship deals, showcasing the viability of their involvement.
He also reassured supporters and teams alike, saying, “The URC works well for us. There is no plan to leave it.”
Despite the trials faced, South African teams must reconcile their ambitions with the reality of competing across leagues. Balancing fatigue and performance is tricky, and the voices urging change must find common ground with the precious opportunities they currently hold.
