South Africa, the rugby World Cup champions, may play Ireland in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates later this year.
Jonathan Stones, chief executive of SA Rugby, confirmed on Thursday that the idea was being investigated, according to Pieter Jordaan on News24.
Stones said: “Negotiations with the relevant parties are going ahead but nothing has been finalised.”
Andy Marinos, manager of South Africa’s national teams, said there was renewed interest after initial efforts to stage such a match in Dubai had fallen through.
“We discussed it earlier this year but nothing came of it. However, there is new interest. It is, of course, merely a proposal at this stage but we’re looking into it.
“We will discuss it with (Saru president) Oregan Hoskins, Jonathan Stones and the Springbok coaching staff during the coming weeks.”
Marinos said it had to be kept in mind that the Springboks were already scheduled to play an additional Test against Argentina on August 8. This forms part of former president Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations.
According to a BBC report, November 1 has been proposed for the Test match in the United Arab Emirates.
New Zealand and Australia are scheduled to play their Bledisloe Cup match in Hong Kong on the same day.
The Springboks play Wales in Cardiff on November 8, followed by Test matches against Scotland and England.
With the Tri-Nations competition reverting to an extra round of matches this season, the Springboks could be in for an exhausting, and profitable, year.
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Hopefully this will not interfere with the S14 like last year’s end of year tour! The Sharks need to win the S14 next year!
@Sharksmad (Comment 1) : I agree
I’m sure they’ll sell this under the ‘spreading the game’ banner, but smells to me like a money grabbing exercise.
With all the players we are losing to Europe, we need to think outside the box to get some extra revenue. I’m not saying this is it, but it may well be thinking in the right direction. European money is hurting us and chasing the money in the Middle East may just be the way to go.