1
Saracens blockbuster exhibition match with Sharks cancelled
By Sam Smith
The exhibition match between Premiership giants Saracens and South Africa's Cell C Sharks scheduled in January has been cancelled.
The clash was hyped as a club clash of some of England and South Africa's best, with many of Saracens English internationals like Maro Itoje, Owen Farrell and Vunipola brothers going up against Springboks Siya Kolisi, Makazole Mapimpi and Luhkanyo Am.
The anticipated clash was to take place in late January in London has been cancelled due to the emergence of the new Omnicron variant of Covid-19.
Saracens put out a club statement that read: "It is with regret that we can confirm that the match between Saracens and Cell C Sharks on 15th January 2022 has been cancelled.
"With recent developments regarding the new variant of COVID-19, the uncertainty around international travel that lies ahead and the timeframes in which we are operating in, both teams have made the decision in the best interest of safety for all concerned.
"Saracens and the Cell C Sharks share a commitment to grow the game and make a significant contribution to their respective communities, so will continue to communicate, share knowledge and look for opportunities to reschedule the game and work together in the future."
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
It certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to commentsHis best years were 2018 and he wasn't good enough to win the World Cup in 2023! (Although he was voted as the best player in the world in 2023)
Go to comments