Publications
Partners
Cape Town - The entry of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings into the PRO14 would break the mould for world rugby, the South African launch was told here on Friday.
The two former Super Rugby teams will debut in the PRO14 next month with 12 clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy in a radical departure for global rugby.
“This is a momentous day for rugby - as significant as the launch of the Super 12 tournament, 21 years ago,” said Jurie Roux, SA Rugby CEO.
“We are breaking new ground with a number of global firsts: this is the first cross-hemisphere domestic club competition; the first time we will have played summer rugby in South Africa and the first experiment in aligning a season in the south with that of the north.
“Our eyes are on the bigger picture, which is new horizons and new opportunities for South African rugby and our PRO14 partners. I’d like to thank Martin Anayi (PRO14 CEO) and the board of PRO14 Rugby as well as the national unions of Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy for opening the door at short notice and welcoming us through it.
“We look forward to this adventure and building something special.”
Anayi also commented at the launch: “It’s a momentous day for us to arrive in South Africa and get a sense of the excitement around the introduction of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings into the PRO14.
“The work we have achieved to expand our Championship is a great credit to SA Rugby, the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings. We have already seen the incredible interest from across Italy, Ireland, Scotland and Wales after our announcement about expansion and it’s great to see that replicated here in South Africa.
“This is a ground-breaking feat and a true first in world rugby as we will see north versus south compete on a regular basis in the PRO14. I would like to thank Jurie Roux and his team at SA Rugby for the hospitality they have shown us and wish our new teams the very best of luck in the coming season.
“Rugby supporters in South Africa and across our existing nations are in for a real treat this season and we can’t wait for the Championship to kick what will be an historic campaign."
