Petition launched to save Cheetahs

Cape Town - Nervy supporters of the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs have set up an online petition to help the franchise retain its Super Rugby status.

READ: Axe Cheetahs, Kings from Super Rugby, says Joel Stransky

Several media reports have indicated that the southern hemisphere competition will be reduced from 18 to 15 teams from next year.

This proposed model sees the Jaguares and Sunwolves retained, with Australia dropping one team and South Africa losing two.

From a South African perspective, the Cheetahs and Southern Kings are likely to be the unlucky ones to go.

Bloemfontein radio station, OFM - a media partner of the Cheetahs - has taken action by setting up a petition for Cheetahs fans to vote to keep their team in Super Rugby.

A post on the radio station’s website reads: “For the Cheetahs it’s a fight for survival and in Central South Africa we have a duty to keep the team in the competition, especially, seeing that the region is breeding ground of Springbok rugby. The pressure is on the team to perform on the field and spate of injuries to key players has made the task that much harder, with just two wins in their five games to date.

“It is also up to the supporters to start backing their team they claimed unwavering loyal to and start turning up in droves to the home match, seeing that the lack of support could be a determining factor. Show your unwavering support for the Cheetahs by signing the petition.”

OFM also claims that SA Rugby will make a ruling on Thursday (April 6) on which South African franchises will be cut from Super Rugby.