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Cornal Hendricks runs off. (Gallo images)
South African teams participating in the Rainbow Cup later this year they could find themselves in Dublin, Dubai or perhaps London for the competition.
According to Rapport, that is the reality the Sharks, Stormers, Lions and Bulls face if Covid-19 restrictions do not allow rival teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy to play in South Africa.
The Rainbow Cup will see all four South African franchises face off against PRO16 opposition and was announced late last year.
It is scheduled to start in April.
The 16 teams participating in the competition will be divided into two groups of eight: two Irish clubs, two South African, two Welsh, one Italian and one Scottish.
Each team will play a game against each group opponent and the teams that finish first in their groups will meet in a final on June 19.
“The inclusion of the South African ‘Super’ Teams in the Rainbow Cup is a step in a new direction for us,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby when the competition was announced in December.
“After so much confusion and uncertainty in 2020, the prospect of a return to top-tier international domestic competition is something we can all look forward to with real excitement.”
But with the Covid-19 restrictions still in place in South Africa, and with the country included in the travel bans of many foreign governments, it appears that South African franchises will need to find a new base from which to play the competition.
According to Rapport, in addition to Dublin and Dubai, London has also been suggested as a base, but there is nothing concrete yet and the planning is subject to change.
