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- SA Rugby has confirmed to its unions that only four franchises would be financially viable for an expanded PRO16.
- This stark reality puts the Cheetahs in the firing line once again, although the federation did not categorically rule out retaining five franchises.
- A future 14-team qualifying tournament has also been proposed for participation in the Currie Cup.
Six will have to become four, maybe five … at once.
That is the stark reality South Africa’s top franchises face following the SA Rugby general council meeting on Friday, who now also have official confirmation that the country will no longer be part of Super Rugby.
Sport24 understands that Jurie Roux, the federation’s executive director, told union presidents and CEOs that the current economic climate will realistically only allow four local teams to be included in an expanded PRO16.
“The presentation was professional and concise,” said one of the attendees.
“To be honest, there were no new disclosures. The Covid-19 pandemic has complicated the rugby landscape and it was quite clear that the demand for South African participation in a cross-border tournament would probably have to be limited to four teams.”
That scenario puts, as expected, the eternally hapless Cheetahs in the line of fire once again alongside the beleaguered Kings of the South.
Having been removed from Super Rugby in the 2017 restructuring, the core franchise could now also be kicked out of PRO Rugby.
However, a leading team source told Sport24 earlier this week that the Cheetahs are signed to play in the tournament until 2023, a violation that would have serious legal repercussions.
However, Roux’s presentation also included the possibility for SA Rugby to retain five teams.
“The door is not closed for five teams but the headache, as we know, is finding a tournament for the fifth franchise,” said another manager.
SA Rugby’s general council will have approximately one month to inform their constituencies before a vote is taken on the matter.
Another interesting proposition is the possibility of a 14-team qualifying tournament for the Currie Cup in the future.
It is understood that such a shooting would give the smaller unions a more determined existence, while also saving on the costs of organizing a SuperSport Rugby Challenge, as well as a First Division.
However, details on the format and time frame are still incomplete.
