Johannesburg (AFP)

The Rugby Championship will be played without the world champions: after much hesitation, South Africa ended up withdrawing from the competition due to the uncertainties and constraints linked to the coronavirus.

The event, scheduled from October 31 to December 12 and organized this year exclusively in Australia due to the pandemic, will therefore be played by three teams.

The Springboks, weaned from matches since their victory in Japan in 2019, have pointed to restrictions imposed on travel by governments, the health of their players and questions about safety.

"It's really disappointing for supporters and business partners, but the consequences of the pandemic make it impossible for a team to participate without jeopardizing the health of the players, beyond the logistical difficulties," explained the rugby boss South African, Jurie Roux.

On Wednesday, the Rugby Championship, which was to pit South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina against each other, gave the Springboks 48 extra hours on Wednesday to decide whether or not to defend their title.

- Lack of play -

Caution finally prevailed, the South Africans also highlighting the lack of preparation of some of their players, lacking competition since confinement.

Former Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said the Japan-based internationals had "not played rugby at all" for months.

Some, like captain Siya Kolisi, will only return to competition on Saturday, a long way from the New Zealanders and Australians who returned to the pitch last summer.

South African coach Jacques Nienaber had also previously estimated that participating in matches of this level without adequate preparation could constitute a risk to the health of his players.

Another source of concern: some South Africans playing in European clubs may not be available due to restrictions linked to Covid-19.

"Players in England, Ireland and France are subject to local regulations and different travel protocols, not to mention possible imminent re-adjustments," Roux said.

"Public health concerns come first and there is no way to find shortcuts to quickly integrate them into the Springbok bubble," said the official.

- Miss to win -

"All we can do now is take advantage of our domestic competitions and find ways to be ready for the arrival of the British and Irish Lions in 2021", added Roux referring to the three test matches scheduled for July and August next.

The loss of earnings for the South African federation should also be significant: the trip to Australia could have brought them 300 million rand (15.5 million euros).

Tournament organizer Sanzaar said he was "extremely disappointed" with South Africa's withdrawal, while acknowledging that each of the participating nations "had to face adversity and many challenges" as a result of the pandemic.

But, against bad luck, its president Andy Marinos added: "That said, (this withdrawal) offers us a unique opportunity to end the year 2020, which marks our 25 years of existence, by organizing a real competition tri-nations ", this time between New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

Previously called Tri-Nations, the Rugby Championship was created in 2012 when Argentina joined the competition.

Originally scheduled for August, the tournament was postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, before being considered in the fall.

© 2020 AFP