Siya Kolisi is set to lead his DHL Stormers in an exhibition match against English outfit Saracens in 2021. Photo: Nic Bothma/EPA
Compiled by: Michael Jansen
CAPE TOWN – English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday announced their intention to host an exhibition match between English outfit Saracens and the DHL Stormers in 2021.
London-based Saracens is faced with relegation from the Premiership at the end of this season due to a points reduction implemented after being found guilty of salary-cap breaches.
All rugby in South Africa has been suspended since the national lockdown was first implemented in March 2020, with the local club rugby season suspended for the rest of the year.
As fas as international competition goes, World Rugby on Wednesday announced a ‘window-period’ for The Rugby Championship between South Africa, New Zealand and Australia to be played at the end of this year.
Saracens is pleased to announce our intention to play a high-profile game against @THESTORMERS at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.#TogetherSaracens ⚫️🔴
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) July 23, 2020
The DHL Stormers resumed training at their base in Bellville on Monday following approval for eight franchise teams to resume non-contact training amid strict Covid-19 hygiene protocols.
DHL Stormers Head Coach John Dobson said that the trip to London would provide an ideal test for his squad against the reigning European Champions.
"Saracens are one of the top club teams in the world and renowned for their innovation and forward-thinking on and off the pitch, which this match is another good example of.
"This trip would give our players the chance to test themselves against a quality team in a world-class venue, so we are very much looking forward to being a part of this," he said.
Saracens Director of Rugby Mark McCall said: “We have a history of filling big stadiums in London for big games and we have also enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship with the DHL Stormers and Western Province Rugby so we are very excited about this game.”
Hosts Tottenham, Saracens and DHL Stormers are currently negotiating the details of the planned fixture, which will be in line with the two respective governments’ Covid-19 safety protocols.
The match could provide an exciting head-to-head which would reunite a number of Springbok and England finalists from the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final in Japan.
The date for this fixture as well as ticket details will be announced in due course.
We are delighted to announce the intention to stage a high-profile rugby union exhibition match between @Saracens and DHL Stormers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 23, 2020
Staff Reporter