The threat of a Springbok strike was raised by leaders of the South African rugby players' union yesterday - although they admitted it was still a remote possibility.

The threat was provoked following a Sunday newspaper interview in which new South African Rugby Football Union (SARFU) president Brian van Rooyen said he would not be offering retainer contracts to Springbok players this year.

"Springboks will never again get full-time contracts," Van Rooyen told the Afrikaans newspaper Rapport.

"What for? The rugby they played was a disgrace to SARFU and the public. They will have to earn respect before they complain about money."

However, the players claim that several of their number were verbally offered new contracts by former Springbok coach Rudolf Straeuli, who resigned in December.