Sign up to The Irish Times Archive (1859 - 2008)My Account »

Fri 11 Nov 2007SA suspend the ban on overseas-based playersRUGBY:South Africa yesterday suspended a decision to ban overseas-based players from appearing for the Springboks clearing the way for John Smit to lead the world champions in a one-off Test against Wales.Smit, who plays for French side Clermont Auvergne, was named captain on Tuesday although three other members of the World Cup party who have since taken up European contracts - Ashwin Willemse, Gary Botha and Butch James - were not selected. The match is due to take place in Cardiff on November 24th.