World champion Springboks in doubt for Rugby Championship amid COVID-19 fears

The Rugby Championship could yet go ahead without one of its fiercest competitors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc in South Africa and is threatening to scrap their entire Currie Cup season. 

Newshub can reveal the Springboks players want domestic hitouts before the Rugby Championship and that is looking highly unlikely by the day. 

All Blacks hooker Dane Coles is uneasy about risking the health and safety of Kiwis to accommodate the world champions.

"Health is the main priority isn't it," Coles says. "We would love them to come, but if it's a risk, then it's probably not the best thing for New Zealand." 

Sanzaar remains determined to have them involved, but several rugby sources claim they're a 50-50 chance at best.

South African rugby has been given the green light to resume in September, but with 8000 active coronavirus cases throughout the country, the situation is dire. 

"If there's too much risk involved, then it's just one of those things, says Coles. 

Planning for the tournament is at advanced discussions with the Government, and both Labour and National want it to make it happen.

But a potential hotel shortage is understood to be one of the main issues.

"Making sure you've got the appropriate kinds of facilities is absolutely crucial," Sports Minister Grant Robertson tells Newshub. 

National Party sports spokesperson Mark Mitchell agrees, claiming the country is set up well to host the world champions, if COVID-10 risks are low. 

"Our four main centres could do the job, so it could work out very well," Mitchell says.

The Rugby Championship is tentatively scheduled to run from November to mid-December and Newshub understands the plan is to finish with the All Blacks playing the Springboks in Wellington, although contingency plans will be needed if South Africa can't make it.

"If they tell us to do it we've gotta do it, we're getting paid to play rugby so we have to play footy," Coles says.