Newlands to host French test

The decision was announced after a positive meeting between SARU officials and Mr Danny Jordaan, CEO of the FIFA Local Organising Committee.

“It was a very good and helpful meeting and we made significant progress,” said Mr Hoskins. “I’m pleased to announce that we have agreed that the Test against France in Cape Town on June 12 will go ahead at Newlands as originally scheduled.”

The match takes place during the FIFA 2010 World Cup (June 11 to July 11) at a time when other major competing sports events are not permitted to be held in hosting cities.

The meeting also addressed issues around the potential hosting of Vodacom Super 14 semi-finals and finals.

“We have both been aware of the situation for some time and we in rugby have made contingency plans,” said Mr Hoskins. “However, our first preference has always been to play any such matches at our normal venues and Mr Jordaan has listened to our request and is prepared to continue those discussions.

“The next step is to get the role players from the affected unions into the same room with the LOC to see if we can’t map out a compromise.”