TENDAI "'Beast" Mtawarira has been cleared to tour with the Springbok squad following discussions between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and the Sports Ministry.
TENDAI "'Beast" Mtawarira has been cleared to tour with the Springbok squad following discussions between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and the Sports Ministry.
Saru was alerted to clauses in the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act, 2007, that needs to be completed before Zimbabwean-born Mtawarira's place in the end-of-year tour squad could be confirmed.
"The government has been very helpful in expediting the completion of the necessary protocols," Saru president Oregan Hoskins said.
"We're all relieved that Beast will be available for selection for the Springboks against France in Toulouse on Friday."
The protocol revolved around clause 6 (3) of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act, which requires an explanation to the Minister of Sport for the selection of non-South African nationals.
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers clinched a famous 22-17 win over world champions South Africa at Welford Road on Friday as the mighty Springboks suffered a dismal start to their northern hemisphere tour.
Leicester were missing six England internationals.
Jongi Nokwe's eighth-minute try had put the Springboks in charge. The Tigers hit back with a try from Argentina international Lucas Amorosino, while 17 points from the boot of Ben Youngs proved crucial.
A couple of late penalties from Ruan Pienaar brought the Springboks to within a score but the Leicester defence held firm.
l Australia coach Robbie Deans praised the "courage" of his side as they started a quest for a grand slam over the home unions with an 18-9 victory against England at Twickenham. - Sapa-AFP
Dismal Bok start to northern hemisphere tour
TENDAI "'Beast" Mtawarira has been cleared to tour with the Springbok squad following discussions between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and the Sports Ministry.
TENDAI "'Beast" Mtawarira has been cleared to tour with the Springbok squad following discussions between the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and the Sports Ministry.
Saru was alerted to clauses in the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act, 2007, that needs to be completed before Zimbabwean-born Mtawarira's place in the end-of-year tour squad could be confirmed.
"The government has been very helpful in expediting the completion of the necessary protocols," Saru president Oregan Hoskins said.
"We're all relieved that Beast will be available for selection for the Springboks against France in Toulouse on Friday."
The protocol revolved around clause 6 (3) of the National Sport and Recreation Amendment Act, which requires an explanation to the Minister of Sport for the selection of non-South African nationals.
Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers clinched a famous 22-17 win over world champions South Africa at Welford Road on Friday as the mighty Springboks suffered a dismal start to their northern hemisphere tour.
Leicester were missing six England internationals.
Jongi Nokwe's eighth-minute try had put the Springboks in charge. The Tigers hit back with a try from Argentina international Lucas Amorosino, while 17 points from the boot of Ben Youngs proved crucial.
A couple of late penalties from Ruan Pienaar brought the Springboks to within a score but the Leicester defence held firm.
l Australia coach Robbie Deans praised the "courage" of his side as they started a quest for a grand slam over the home unions with an 18-9 victory against England at Twickenham. - Sapa-AFP