South Africa’s domestic competition, the Currie Cup, could be used as a qualifier in an expanded Pro16 competition, according to reports from South Africa.
After New Zealand announced in July that they would be exploring a rugby future without South Africa and Argentina, South Africa Rugby CEO, Jurie Roux said they were “considering options”.
On Friday, in SA Rugby’s general council meeting it was announced that only four of South Africa’s franchises will be affordable to the SA Rugby to play in Europe.
Reports coming from South Africa on Monday stated that the country’s domestic Currie Cup competition would be used to determine which teams head to Europe, “only if the Springbok players play for the duration of the competition”.
South Africa’s Sport24 reported on Monday that if the Springboks did not play in the Currie Cup, then the Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers were seen to be the first choice franchises to be sent to Europe.
This would mean that the Cheetahs and Southern Kings would again be sent out to the cold with no competition to move to.
14 February 2020; Lusanda Badiyana of Isuzu Southern Kings in action against James Cronin of Munster during the Guinness PRO14 Round 11 match between Munster and Isuzu Southern Kings at Irish Independent Park in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/SportsfileThe Southern Kings have already ruled themselves out of any domestic competition for the remainder of 2020, meaning that they are all but guaranteed not to be a part of an expanded Pro16 based on this qualification system.
The Cheetahs are reportedly arguing for their continued participation in the competition.
SA Rugby’s general council will vote on the issue in their next sitting in September.
South Africa return to training
Meanwhile, South Africa’s franchises teams will return to full contact training this week, following completion of final health checks.
In a press release issued by SA Rugby, it was announced that the Vodacom Bulls, Emirates Lions, Cell C Sharks, DHL Stormers, Toyota Cheetahs, Phakisa Pumas and Tafel Lager Griquas can resume contact training as a possible return to competitive action moves closer.
“The teams have been hard at work with non-contact training for the past five weeks, and once a final COVID-19 test has been passed, they will be able to step up a gear,” Roux said.
“We are moving in the right direction and I would like to urge all rugby supporters and members of the wider South African rugby family to bear with us as we plan the way forward.”
Roux said SA Rugby and its various stakeholders were finalising plans for a return to play in line with the best available medical advice in order to ensure player welfare.
“Once we’ve finalized all the relevant plans and we’ve aligned with our broadcast partner, sponsors, franchisees and other stakeholders, we’ll confirm the playing schedule,” Roux said.
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