uglea says...

Always figured that when you retired, you retired. If players make comebacks

then its probably because they have enjoyed their rest and perhaps have found they miss the 'scene' of playing and training.

If there are rules, then they should be followed. If someone can put up an exception to the rule and it is passed, then that should be fine as well.

At times Ihave thought of farewell matches being moeny spinners. If you retire and get a farewell match and then play again, perhaps the proceed of the match should be donated to an IRB recognised charity or something.

Posted 02:45 30th May 2012

tha_mai says...

I thought someone at the South African Rugby Union would be aware of IRB regulations that affect every player at international level. The regulation is quite straightforward - neither is it 'new'.

21.12.3 A Player who has given notice of retirement to the Board and subject to

Regulation 21.12.4, may not resume competing unless he notifies the

Board at least six months before he expects to return to competition at

International Match level and is available for No Advance Notice Out of

Competition Testing at any time during the period before actual return to

competition.

Posted 10:35 25th May 2012

safehands says...

@leebok.....what has Ritchie got to do with the article? Your 'certainty' with the IRB ruling process is rubbish.....try sticking to what the article is about...a retired SA player, not a current AB player. What is it with some saffas and the overwhelming urge to have a swipe at anything All Black?

Posted 08:17 25th May 2012

Nicholas41 says...

What if he hadn't stopped taking them? Or started talking them again and promised he hadn't stopped?

Posted 22:16 24th May 2012

Ruggernaut says...

Thank goodness...I think the entire country is sleeping much better at night now. Meyer, your captaincy selection is no dilemma at all. Jean de Villiers is your man. And Pierre Spies will certainly back him up nicely as his vice-captain.

Posted 20:15 24th May 2012