Resting protocols may block South African players such as Stormers No 8 Evan Roos from representing the Barbarians against the Springboks at Cape Town Stadium in June.
Despite not receiving a call-up to Rassie Erasmus’ 54-man Bok alignment camp this week, six-Test Roos would be a natural selection for the invitational side.
However, Rapport understands that the eight-week mandatory rest period for Vodacom URC players makes his participation for the Baa Baas in the 28 June clash unlikely.
“I can’t see how the Stormers will release any player to the Baa Baas, otherwise they will miss some of the matches in the URC later,” an insider told Rapport. “The URC players should be given a rest of eight consecutive weeks after the season.”
The only workaround would involve special arrangements between players and their franchises to schedule rest periods at different times during the season.
Rapport reveals the Baa Baas are likely to draw heavily from French Top-14 talent instead of local options.
Meanwhile, the news outlet suggests that injured Bok and Stormers tighthead prop Frans Malherbe remains doubtful not only for the Baa Baas fixture but potentially for the July Tests against Italy and Georgia.
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