Rugby union: Pienaar captaincy under threat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rugby union
Pienaar captaincy under threat
Francois Pienaar will never captain South Africa again after his part in a campaign for improved pay and benefits for Transvaal players according to the former Springbok hooker Uli Schmidt. Schmidt said the dispute involving 14 players, 13 of them Springboks, "may have been resolved but scars will remain. I don't think Francois Pienaar will captain South Africa again." Pienaar played a leading role in a campaign to provide players with greater financial security. Schmidt said none of the Springbok players earned less than pounds 1,900 a month. However, last week the players refused to train and were excluded from the Transvaal side which successfully opened their defence of the Currie Cup with a 33-3 victory against Free State yesterday. The players have since agreed to suspend the campaign until the international board meets in August to discuss amateurism and will resume training tomorrow. The Australian Rugby Union hopes to offer contracts to players next month, following last month's multi-million-dollar deal with Rupert Murdoch. The A$760m (pounds 292m) deal gives Murdoch's News Corporation broadcast rights to international and domestic rugby in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa until 2005. New Zealand will start offering contracts to its players next week and Australia is keen to follow suit as quickly as possible.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments