South Africa could be forced to play under a neutral flag and without a national anthem going forward at this year's Rugby World Cup, after the country's government failed to comply with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) compliance and anti-doping regulations.
The Springboks are one of the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023, having also won the Rugby World Cup four years ago.
They are due to play France in a quarter-final on Sunday evening, although their preparations for the fixture have been rocked by this development in their homeland.
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South Africa could be forced into flag change at Rugby World Cup
The South African Government had been given a Friday deadline by WADA to update the country's anti-doping legislation, something they now look set to miss. As a result, any ban relating to the country's international teams would come into effect on Saturday.
While this would not stop the Springboks from competing at the Rugby World Cup, they could be forced to do so under a neutral flag and without the use of a national anthem. This could be in place for their Rugby World Cup game against France on Sunday.
The country's rugby union would have the option to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), although it remains unclear if such an appeal would be processed in time for this weekend.
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Speaking to AFP ahead of the France game, South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander hammered the country's government for putting the team in this position.
We have this problem because our government failed to have new legislation promulgated.
It is a disgrace. It is an embarrassment for our country. They were issued notice well in advance.
This is not a debatable thing. You cannot change things. You just have to put it in your legislation.
We are supposed to conform to WADA requirements. We failed to change our legislation to include the changes. Heads should roll...
There is no way we will be in a situation where our teams will not play under the South African flag.
He would go on to say that they would take their case to CAS if it came down to that.
Athletes competing under neutral flags is not unusual in the world of sport, although it is not something that you would expect to see at the Rugby World Cup.
Considering the colour and passion that South Africa bring to the event, you would hope that it wouldn't come down to that.
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