The South African government disobeyed the World Anti-Doping Agency, allowing the Springboks to compete for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup under a neutral flag.

The essential changes to comply with the new WADA rules, which went into effect in 2021, have not yet been made in South Africa.

If they don’t make the improvements by October 13, their flag will be forbidden.

Could also impact cricket

That includes the ongoing Rugby World Cup and the Cricket World Cup.

Aside from being prohibited from hosting international sporting events, South Africa might also be prevented from playing its national anthem before any of its games.

However, the government is sure that it can follow the WADA code moving ahead without incurring any penalties.

There is no way we will be in a position where our teams will not play under the South African flag, a sports ministry official said. “Government is talking with WADA in relation to our amendment bill, and we will offer an update in due time.

Government warned

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport reportedly warned the government last year about the consequences of breaking the new code, according to The Daily Maverick.

Zizi Kodwa, the minister of sport, stated last month that they have been “working tirelessly” to make the required changes.

The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) Amendment Bill, which will now go through the South African Constitutional procedure of finalizing a Bill, was drafted with assistance from WADA, according to Kodwa.

“The South African government has a detailed and complete mechanism for passing laws.

“Any legislation, including modifications, must pass constitutional muster in South Africa and cannot contradict or nullify any existing laws.”

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Henderson and Sheehan start for Ireland v Scotland

Iain Henderson will start for Ireland against Scotland in their crucial World Cup Pool B matchup on Saturday after James Ryan was passed over for the position of lock.

Ryan will sit on the sidelines in Paris due to a hand issue that has plagued him since the victory over South Africa.

The other alteration from the victory over the Springboks is that Ronan Kelleher is replaced by hooker Dan Sheehan.

Against the Springboks, Sheehan of Leinster and Henderson of Ulster both contributed significantly as substitutes.

Stuart McCloskey is listed on the bench in place of the injured Robbie Henshaw.

The replacement for Jimmy O’Brien and Keith Earls for the Stade de France match is Ulster center McCloskey, who has not yet played in the World Cup.

Henshaw suffered a hamstring injury on Tuesday while working out, and Ireland coach Andy Farrell predicted the Leinster center would miss a few weeks.

“They want to see how things settle down, and it probably takes about five days for that type of thing to happen, but it looks like it could be a minimum of a couple of weeks at this stage,” said Farrell.

In the match on Saturday, winger Peter O’Mahony, who starts in the back row alongside Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris, will receive his 100th cap.

rear row After being listed among the replacements, Jack Conan will likely play for the first time since tearing foot ligaments two months ago.

Farrell has stuck with the starters from the thrilling 13-8 victory over the world champions, with the exceptions of Henderson and Sheehan.

Despite that triumph, the top-ranked team in the world will enter the match in Paris aware that a loss and failure to gain a bonus point will result in an unexpected elimination from the competition.

Ireland will win the group if they avoid defeat or lose by seven points or less, presumably setting up a mouthwatering quarterfinal matchup versus New Zealand.

In the match on Saturday, winger Peter O’Mahony, who starts in the back row alongside Josh van der Flier and Caelan Doris, will receive his 100th cap.

rear row After being listed among the replacements, Jack Conan will likely play for the first time since tearing foot ligaments two months ago.

Farrell has stuck with the starters from the thrilling 13-8 victory over the world champions, with the exceptions of Henderson and Sheehan.

Despite that triumph, the top-ranked team in the world will enter the match in Paris aware that a loss and failure to gain a bonus point will result in an unexpected elimination from the competition.

Ireland will win the group if they avoid defeat or lose by seven points or less, presumably setting up a mouthwatering quarterfinal matchup versus New Zealand.

Ireland team v Scotland

Ireland: Keenan; M Hansen, Ringrose, Aki, Lowe; Sexton (capt), Gibson-Park; Porter, Sheehan, Furlong; Beirne, Henderson; O’Mahony, Van der Flier, Doris.

Replacements: Kelleher, Kilcoyne, Bealham, Ryan, Conan, Murray, Crowley, McCloskey