[ad_1]
The Cheetahs won the 2019 Currie Cup (Photo: Gordon Arons / Gallo Images)
- Using the Currie Cup as a qualification to enter PRO16 is reportedly a consideration.
- However, this will only happen if the Springboks play for the duration of the Currie Cup.
- Otherwise, the Bulls, Lions, Stormers and Sharks appear to be the preferred candidates, but the Cheetahs are convinced they deserve a spot.
This year’s Currie Cup could be used as a qualifying event to determine the four South African teams in an expanded PRO16 event in Europe.
SA Rugby held its general council meeting on Friday and, according to Relationship, the idea was proposed by Cheetahs Managing Director Harold Verster.
The meeting was held virtually via Zoom, and the Afrikaans post indicated that several members who attended the meeting said that SA Rugby director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, considered the reasonable idea, provided teams can call to their Springboks.
However, if the revised Rugby Championship (scheduled to start on November 7) goes ahead, the Springboks could only appear in the first part of the Currie Cup.
It is now a fact that South Africa will no longer be part of Super Rugby, and although the four teams entering PRO16 have yet to be determined, it seems likely that they will be the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers, with the Cheetahs and Reyes in the cold. .
There are also plans to reduce the number of franchises that play in events from six to four, but the Cheetahs have indicated they would be willing to go to court to protect their franchise status.
A senior source in the Cheetahs told Sport24 last week that the Cheetahs were legally contracted with SA Rugby to play in PRO14 until 2023.
“When it comes to cheetahs, we have a binding contract that cannot be breached for any reason without legal consequences,” the source said.
Adding to the complication is that broadcaster SuperSport, a major partner of SA Rugby, is in favor of the idea of all four Super Rugby franchises participating in PRO16.
SA Rugby’s general council will vote on the matter next month.
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
