URC coaches in talks with SA Rugby over compulsory rest period for World Cup stars

The months of February and March have been earmarked as a "compulsory resting period" for all of the Boks involved in the World Cup, but Dobson said it was not clear if it also involved players likely to be selected for the Rugby Championship later this year.

Meanwhile, the local franchises are also in talks with SA Rugby about the need for an individualised approach that would allow players who have not necessarily seen as much action to continue playing.

Dobson highlighted Bok duo Lukhanyo Am and Evan Roos as examples of players who might require special consideration.

"There has been a debate with SA Rugby on whether you individualise it because how much rugby has Lukhanyo Am played?" the Stormers coach told reporters ahead of their clash against the Sharks.

"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," he added. "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 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."

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