It is raining rugby talent

Too much sport. It's a problem the Proteas cricketers would love to have, but one our rugby sides could do without.

- Nicholas Zaal

Many have said this since South Africa's franchises joined European tournaments in the 2021/22 season, and it has reached a boiling point.

Faced with widespread injuries to his experienced players (many of whom are Springboks), Sharks head coach John Plumtree has bemoaned the lack of a pre-season break.

He suggested the Springboks could be affected by the shortage of players at future Rugby World Cups.

He warned that older Springboks would be hit hardest by injuries from such a demanding schedule.