Jake White: Playing 12 months a year is coming at a cost

The Bulls emerged victorious 33-32 in a bruising United Rugby Championship derby clash against the Stormers on Saturday. White is already counting the cost, as utility forward Cobus Wiese limped off the park in the second half with a swollen ankle.

Speaking to press after the match, White again brought up the length of the schedule that sees franchises play across two high-profile competitions with extensive travel.

"It's a tough competition, every week you get an update on every team and their injuries," said the World Cup-winning coach.

"Playing 12 months a year is coming at a cost. It's not sustainable, we work on the basis of we lose one and a half players every game.

"When I say one and a half, I'm talking about one guy who can have a two-week injury or an HIA.

"You can work on the basis of one is out for a while and one can be out with HIA and he is out for a week or two and needs a 12-day mandatory time off.

"Playing 12 months a year, every team has one and a half guys off, it just adds up."

The Sharks have also been suffering on the injury front, with several Springboks currently amongst the swathes of injured.

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