South Africa should think very carefully before agreeing to switch this year’s series against the British and Irish Lions offshore as a consequence of the Covid pandemic.
Although switching the series from South Africa to Britain and Ireland may make good money for SA Rugby, and scratch the Springboks’ itch to play again after losing out on international rugby last year, we should be careful of taking short-term decisions that turn out to be short-sighted.
I don’t buy the argument that the tour cannot be postponed until next year because it will disrupt next year’s scheduled fixtures. Covid forced schedules to be revised across the world last year, and looks like being disruptive this year, too.
There is no reason future schedules can’t be adjusted to accommodate rugby’s biggest global show between World Cups, which is what Lions tours are. South Africa is not rugby’s poor cousin; we are the World Champions.
If Covid stops the Lions from touring, world rugby must shift calendar items around and make sure that they can tour next year. I say this for three reasons:
1. The value of a Lions tour far exceeds the revenue earned at stadium gates. The tour brings with it an estimated 40 000 visiting fans, with pounds in their pockets. Many, while in SA, extend their stays to visit other attractions. The value and goodwill for the country that they generate is immense. Sure, SA Rugby could do with some income now, but it must vasbyt and wait for next year.
2. South Africa has earned the right to sit at the top table of world rugby, and for its best interests to be considered. We are not wannabes, or rugby’s poor cousins. We must avoid our rugby being shoved down the global pecking order due to its financial status, as SA cricket was by the bigger spending India, Australia and England – despite the Proteas top position in world test cricket.
3. If you ask any players or coaches who have ever represented the Springboks, Australia or New Zealand against the Lions – or those who have represented the Lions – they will tell you that it is the biggest deal of their careers, besides World Cups. It represents the old rivalry between north and south, it represents tradition and traditional values, and it represents our pride.
With discipline and resilience we must resist tempting carrots dangled our way and insist on the full meal – even if our stomachs are rumbling and the meal is delayed.
Bình luận