No rugby for world champion as South Africa maintains ban The South African government has maintained a ban on all contact sports competitions because of the coronavirusThis app can fill empty stadiums with cheers when pro sports restart The Associated PressCAPE TOWN, South Africa -- The South African government maintained a ban on all contact sports competitions on Saturday because of the coronavirus, meaning the country's professional rugby teams and its world champion Springboks will remain out of action. The announcement by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa came as South Africa prepares to further ease lockdown on Monday and open up most of its economy as part of a phased relaxation of restrictions. Professional non-contact sports competitions will be allowed in some regions and Mthethwa gave permission for teams, including those in rugby, to resume training. South Africa's Super Rugby teams have been out of action since the southern hemisphere club competition was postponed in mid-March. South Africa has more than 29,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, the most in Africa, and 611 people have died.

Source: ABC News May 30, 2020 11:26 UTC