CAPE TOWN - The importance of player welfare remains a priority, which is why Springbok Sevens coach Neil Powell has endorsed the decision by World Rugby to move the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series tournaments in Singapore and Hong Kong next year, despite the fact that it will leave teams short on match time before the Olympic Games in Tokyo in July.
Powell admitted that he was disappointed with the news, which he sees as a massive blow to the 2020/21 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. “We understand the reasons and applaud World Rugby for putting player welfare first, but it does make planning for next season a challenge. For Powell, playing in those tournaments will be crucial: “We will have to play in those, no doubt and we will discuss this as part of our planning for next year with SA Rugby.