Boks to debut in Dubai
Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:29
The inauguration of Dubai's new multi-purpose sport complex, which includes six full-size rugby pitches, is set to be celebrated with a match between South Africa and Ireland on November 1.
The new sports facility, which will replace the Dubai Exiles Rugby Football Club as the main venue in the United Arab Emirates, has been purpose build to host the 2009 International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens World Cup.
Jonathan Stones, the Managing Director of SA Rugby (Pty) Ltd (the commercial arm of the South African Rugby Union), confirmed on Thursday that the idea was being investigated.
Stones said: "Negotiations with the relevant parties are going ahead, but nothing has been finalised."
Andy Marinos, manager of South Africa's national teams, said there was renewed interest after initial efforts to stage such a match in Dubai had fallen through.
"We discussed it earlier this year but nothing came of it. However, there is new interest. It is, of course, merely a proposal at this stage but we're looking into it.
"We will discuss it with [SARU president] Oregan Hoskins, Jonathan Stones and the Springbok coaching staff during the coming weeks."
Marinos said it had to be kept in mind that the Springboks were already scheduled to play an additional Test against Argentina on August 8. This forms part of former president Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations.
November 1 has been proposed for the Test match in the United Arab Emirates.
It would be the second Test match at a neutral venue on that day, with New Zealand due to face Australia in Hong Kong in a Bledisloe Cup match.
Should the Dubai match be confirmed, it will mean the Boks will then play all four Home Unions - Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England.
It would push up to 13 the number of Tests the Boks will play under new coach Peter de Villiers this year.
