Butch James told not to play for Boks

Wednesday 2 June 2010
Published By: David Rawlings
International Rugby > South Africa

Bath and Premier Rugby have told star fly half Butch James that he is not allowed to appear for the Springboks in the match against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa had named James in their starting line up to face the Welsh, but because the match falls outside of the official international test window, clubs are not obliged to release their players for the match.

Bath are said to have recalled James telling him to return to the club immediately.  Premier Rugby confirmed that Bath do not wish to release their players.

A Premier Rugby spokesman commented "The situation on release of international players for the June window is clear under IRB Regulation 9. The release of players is required for matches on the second, third and fourth weekends of June and for five clear training days in advance. This release is intended for matches being played in the Southern Hemisphere."

"The first weekend in June is not part of the IRB release period and Unions have no right to release of players from the Clubs.  In the interests of Player Welfare, which the IRB Woking Accord made the top priority, this first weekend was intended under the Regulation to be a period of travel for the Players so they would be in best condition for the June tests in the Southern Hemisphere. "

The move follows Gloucester Rugbys decision to refuse release of their Scotland internationals Alasdair Dickenson, Alasdair Strokosch and the Lawson brothers Rory and Scott for their match against Japan this weekend.