Share

Cheetahs, Kings in PRO12 by September?

Cape Town - Reports emanating from Europe suggest that the Cheetahs and Southern Kings could play in the PRO12 competition as early as September this year.

Recent media reports have indicated that the two South African franchises excluded from Super Rugby could be added to the PRO12 - a European competition that currently includes club teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

Super Rugby will be reduced from 18 to 15 teams from next year, with two teams from South Africa and one from Australia to get the boot.

While nothing has been made official, the general consensus is that the two South African teams excluded from the competition will be the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings.

On Friday, BBC Sport reported that the Cheetahs and Southern Kings are set to join the PRO12 in September.

The new 14-team format is set to start for the 2017-18 season, rather than the following year.

Meanwhile, there has also been speculation that the South African sides could play some of their home matches in the United Kingdom, with Saracens' Allianz Park mentioned as a potential venue.

The PRO12 clashes with South Africa's Currie Cup, which means that the defending champion Free State Cheetahs and the EP Kings - who play in the Currie Cup First Division - will be forced to field second string outfits.

SA Rugby will announce on July 7 which two South African franchises will lose their Super Rugby status.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE