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Toyota Cheetahs team group during the Super Rugby Unlocked match between Toyota Cheetahs and Vodacom Bulls on October 16, 2020 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, South Africa (Photo by Frikkie Kapp / Gallo Images)
the Cheetahs main sponsor, Toyota, has hit like SA Rugby to kick off the Bloemfontein-based franchise out of PRO14.
Leon Theron, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Toyota South Africa, said in a statement published by Relationship newspaper that the company was eager to continue its nine-year sponsorship of the Cheetahs.
He called on SA Rugby to adopt the promotion-relegation principle to ensure that the top four South African teams play in an extended PRO16.
This comes after SA Rugby recently withdrew its four Super Rugby franchises, the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers, from the southern hemisphere event in favor of playing in an expanded PRO Rugby event.
“It will be outrageous if the Cheetahs, the Currie Cup champions and the PRO14 pioneers, who have entertained South African fans with their offensive and innovative rugby for over a century, are deprived of this international exposure,” said Theron.
“They have a good winning record so far in the Super Rugby Unlocked tournament and are producing a stream of talented players. SA Rugby must do everything in its power to ensure the Cheetahs remain viable and strong.
“It is regrettable that Cheetahs were not included in the expanded PRO16, in line with the assurance received from SA Rugby in this regard.”
According to the Afrikaans publication, Toyota has invested around R250 million in Cheetahs rugby over the past nine years.
The Cheetahs and Southern Kings joined PRO14 in 2017 after both franchises lost their Super Rugby status.
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
