Decision expected soon on who world champion Springboks will play this year

South Africa's Rugby Union says it'll soon announce how the Springboks' restructured international calendar will look.

Officials say details of the season are being finalised with the South African Government and other stakeholders.

It comes as reports suggest the Springboks are looking to opt-out of November's Rugby Championship and instead play in an eight-team tournament based in Europe which would also include Fiji.

SANZAAR has backed New Zealand to host this year's Rugby Championship.

South African franchises have been cleared to begin full-contact training from today as players prepare to restart the season.

[source: TV NZ]