Boks must beat UK customs to play on home turf

THE SPRINGBOKS may be counting on the magic of home-grown turf for that edge in the World Cup games, but before the grass can work its spell, it needs to pass inspection by UK customs officials.

The UK Border Force places restrictions on which plants, fruit and seeds can be brought into the UK, especially from outside the European Union.

Potato seeds, for example, are banned, and there are many other restrictions on what can be brought in and its quantity.

South African Rugby Union ( Saru) spokesman Andy Colquhoun said yesterday the union had done its homework on the legalities of transporting the turf to the UK. “We have had the idea for a long time, so we have had the opportunity to really plan for it,” he said.

“As far as I understand, the turf has been cleared as all safe.”

The piece of turf was unveiled at a celebrity- heavy event on Thursday at the Springbok Experience Rugby Museum in Cape Town. It was grown in soil drawn from all 14 South African rugby provinces. Its seed will be taken to the UK, where it will be planted and grown in special trays to inspire players while kitting up.

“This will be a visible and physical reminder of what they are playing for and from where they come,” SARU chief executive Jurie Roux said this week.

Bringing plants into the UK bedevilled the South African delegation to the Chelsea flower show earlier this year.

Some plants for the the SA National Biodiversity Institute display got stuck at customs, and weren’t released in time to be included in the show. They had to borrow from competitors. But the scheme worked, as they won a Silver Gilt Award.