Star Springbok winger Bryan Habana has been put on standby for the South African team for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Habana’s availability followed a decision by his club Toulon, in agreement with the French Rugby Federation (FFR), to make an exception and allow Habana to play during a rest window in which all French Top 14 players are normally prohibited from playing, the South African federation annouced Tuesday.
It means that the leading scorer in Springbok history has been cleared to be placed on the South African Sevens standby list.
“His availability means that should there be an injury in the Team SA squad, Habana would be allowed to compete, should he be required by the coaches. He was named in the original squad,” the federation said.
The Springboks open their account on Saturday, matched up against Trinidad and Tobago, the Cook Islands and Kenya, before the knockout matches and medal games on Sunday.
Habana was joined by fellow Springbok Schalk Brits, a Saracens hook, in being named in the South African Sevens team for the Games but getting denied a chance to play by club.
Toulon had a change of heart on Tuesday but the decision came after the deadline for the submission of squads for the Games had expired.
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