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Sharks v Stormers (Gallo Images)
- Two trophies will be up for grabs when South African national rugby returns.
- All seven franchises will play for Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup honors.
- All registration points from the first round will carry over to the second round.
Seven South African rugby franchises will contest two trophies when the season resumes on October 10.
SA Rugby confirmed via a press release on Friday that the franchises will play for both Super Rugby Unlockre and Currie Cup honors.
This follows a complete reworking of accessories and competition structures after a six-month hiatus imposed by the coronavirus.
Following the ‘Super Fan Saturday’ matches in Pretoria (September 26) and the Springbok Showdown in Cape Town (October 3), the seven provincial teams will face a double round of local action over 16 weekends with two trophies at stake in the event.
The first round of matches, from October 10 to November 21, will be for the honors of Super Rugby Unlocked, with the winner being whichever Bulls, Sharks, Lions, Stormers, Cheetahs, Griquas or Pumas has the most registration points.
All registration points will carry over to the second round, the Currie Cup from November 28 to January 9, 2021, culminating in a semi-finals (January 16) and a final on January 23 of next year.
The Free State Cheetahs will defend the crown they won in 2019 against the Blue Bulls, Golden Lions, Griquas, Pumas, Sharks and Western Province.
“We are very grateful for the excellent cooperation we have had from our sponsors, broadcast partners, unions and other stakeholders to get to a point where we can start looking forward to real rugby matches on the weekends again.” said Jurie, CEO of SA Rugby. Roux said in the statement.
“Depending on our participation in the Rugby Championship, we will see our best local Springboks in action in the weeks and months to come.
“The impact of the pandemic on the season has been extraordinary and we have had to come up with an extraordinary solution to be able to complete the Super Rugby season and play the Currie Cup. We believe this is the best solution for everyone involved.
“All the teams will meet at home and away, enjoying two byes over the four months that we believe will provide first-class local rugby and discover the next generation of South African rugby stars.”
Meanwhile, SA Rugby also announced a five-team Provincial Under-21 competition between the Blue Bulls, Free State, Golden Lions, Sharks and Western Province.
Details of this competition, as well as the Super Rugby Unlocked and Currie Cup matches, will be confirmed in due course.
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
