Anglo-Welsh Cup could feature Currie Cup teams

South Africa's Currie Cup teams could be part of the Anglo-Welsh Cup when the global calendar kicks-off from 2020 according to Premiership Rugby.

The umbrella organisation for the 12 English clubs are in discussion with South Africa rugby board on a possible solution for the void created by the proposed new season which will see no Aviva Premiership games during the international window.

With SANZAAR confirming that the 2018 season will feature two teams less from South Africa, Premiership Rugby believes this will be an excellent opportunity to revamp the Anglo-Welsh Cup that will see the competition expand to the Southern hemisphere.

The global calendar which was seen has a move to integrate the Northern and Southern hemispheres will see international rugby played across 11 months raising concerns about player welfare but Premiership Rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty thinks otherwise.

"There's some absence of knowledge of the detail around that," McCafferty said.

"The International Rugby Players' Association was involved in the meetings with the unions, clubs and World Rugby for designing the new season structure.

"I'm convinced the opportunity for mid-season breaks for non-international players will mean that for a large number it's much better for them. There are lots of upsides, but there is an issue to manage around the international players. The maximum number of games is not going to change."