The South African government maintained a ban on all contact sports competitions on Saturday because of the coronavirus, meaning the country's professional rugby teams and its world champion Springboks will remain out of action. The announcement by sports minister Nathi Mthethwa came as South Africa prepares to further ease lockdown on Monday and open up most of its economy as part of a phased relaxation of restrictions. Professional non-contact sports competitions will be allowed in some regions and Mthethwa gave permission for teams, including those in rugby, to resume training.