Both codes are considered to be contract sports, however, rugby is far the most of the two.

One thing that is certain is that matches will be played behind closed doors, and while it certainly the safest and wisest thing to do, the games will definitely lack the ambiance associated with the sport.

 While we wait to see that the Premier Soccer League has in store, both can learn from the recently concluded English Premiership which made use of audio to create a bit more atmosphere during the matches.

There was a lot of debate about it overseas, and for the most part, the players and managers welcomed the audio.

Toyota Cheetahs centre, William Small-Smith, welcomes the use of “crowd noises” but also feels that if there is no sound during the matches, it will expose the fans and viewers to a totally different side of the game.

“It could go both ways, by having no additional sound the spectators would be able to hear the players communicate on the field

“That is a big part of the game that gets lost and I think people would enjoy hearing all the micro-chats happening all the time

“On the other hand, as with the Premier League, it does put one in a more match like feeling.

“But nothing comes close to the real fans.

“Still I think the guys just want to play, even if it is in a beach touch rugby tournament.”

SA Rugby is targeting for the sport to resume matches by the latest in mid-September.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport