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South Africa’s four Vodacom Super Rugby franchises are set to join an expanded PRO14 competition, while the Cheetahs could enter a recently proposed Super 8 tournament, he writes CRAIG LEWIS.
For all intents and purposes, the future of the Cheetahs was one of the items on the agenda when SA Rugby held its general council meeting on Tuesday to map out plans for future competitions and which teams would be involved.
Rumors have grown in recent weeks to suggest that plans were underway to involve four South African teams in the PRO Rugby competition, with the Stormers, Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions expected to head north.
With the Southern Kings in liquidation, the franchise will not be able to participate in any competition for the foreseeable future, while it was rumored that the Cheetahs would also face the cut.
Last week, PRO14 Rugby confirmed that it was in ‘initial discussions’ with SA Rugby about the possibility of expanding the tournament to include more South African franchises starting in 2021.
“SA Rugby’s long-term commitments are to place two teams in PRO14 and in light of the withdrawal of the Southern Kings, they are discussing compliance with this agreement from 2021 using a replacement team from their franchises. current professionals, “read a statement.
“In addition, both PRO14 Rugby and SA Rugby are in initial discussions regarding the possible expansion of the tournament and deepening our partnership to include more South African franchises from 2021.”
According to SARugbymag.co.zaAccording to information, the Cheetahs will not feature in these long-term plans, but they have managed to “negotiate their participation as the fifth franchise in a Super 8 competition, with possible additional income.”
The Super 8 is touted to include two teams from New Zealand and Australia, and one from South Africa, the South Sea Islands, Japan and Argentina.
On Tuesday night, the Cheetahs confirmed in a statement that they were “reviewing their options.”
“The four metro franchises were voted to participate in the PRO16 competition in Europe,” read the statement confirming the information from SARugbymag.co.za.
According to Harold Verster, outgoing CEO of Free State Cheetahs, the Cheetahs “reserve their rights.”
The implications of the business model must be assessed, while all implications are reviewed before determining the way forward thereafter.
However, alternative competition proposals are said to appear fair and even attractive if all the details are confirmed.
WATCH: Should the cheetahs stay or should they go?
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