Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has decided to rest a number of key players for Saturday's Champions Cup opener against Lyon in Pretoria.
The Blue Bulls have confirmed reports that their star Springbok winger Sbu Nkosi has been absent without leave for the past three weeks.
New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson is hopeful that South Africa will stay in the Rugby Championship for the foreseeable future.
SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus this week met with World Rugby following constant run-ins over the outspoken former coach's conduct.