In addition to the group of local players released to their provinces, two overseas-based players will also return to their clubs and are available for selection for this weekend’ matches. They are fullback Willie le Roux (Wasps) and loose forward Francois Louw (Bath).

Although the Vodacom Blue Bulls have a bye in the Currie Cup, the Pretoria outfit will be in action on Saturday in a friendly match against Namibia in Windhoek.

The following eight players have been released to their provinces this weekend:
Xerox Golden Lions: Ross Cronje
 
Vodacom Blue Bulls: Marco van Staden, Embrose Papier
 
Cell C Sharks: Thomas du Toit
 
DHL Western Province: Wilco Louw, Bongi Mbonambi, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Damian Willemse.