DHL Stormers head coach John Dobson said the local franchises are in talks with SA Rugby regarding the ‘compulsory rest period’ for top Springboks early in 2024.

Speaking to the media in the build-up to yesterday’s Vodacom URC clash between the Stormers and Sharks in Cape Town, Dobson raised the issue whether individualisation is necessary based on players’ recent game time.

Dobson highlighted the applicability of a blanket eight-week rest for all Rugby World Cup Boks and suggests the need for a tailored approach, citing the example of Lukhanyo Am – who did not play in France – and potential considerations for rising stars like Evan Roos.

According to Dobson’s understanding, the compulsory resting period for world cup Springboks is slated for February and March.

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“As far as I know it is a blanket eight weeks for the guys from the world cup. I don’t know if it is going to add in guys who will be considered for the Rugby Championship.

“In our case, it would be someone like Evan Roos, if he was to make the Bok team.”

“Every player in South Africa is getting eight weeks. We have to manage the non-world cup Springboks, so we must decide when we should give someone like Andre-Hugo Venter a break for example,” he added.

“He must have eight weeks off which is good – two or three weeks absolute rest and then active rest and then return to training.

“As far as I understand it, February and March would be a compulsory resting period for the world cup Springboks.”