Pro14 in discussion to include more South African teams

Pro14 organisers have confirmed that they are in talks about expanding the tournament with the inclusion of more South African teams.

The tournament has increased from 12 teams to 14 after Cheetahs and Southern Kings joined the league in the 2017/18 season.

With reports emerging that the Springboks participation in the Rugby Championship in doubt and New Zealand along with Australia playing their local domestic Super Rugby competition, Pro14 might be the destination for more South African clubs.

Earlier, Cheetahs confirmed that they will not be part of the 2020/21 season of Pro14 while the Southern Kings were liquidated by the South African board following the financial crisis created by the pandemic coronavirus. However, Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls have expressed their interest to be part of the Pro14 tournament.

“SA Rugby’s long-standing commitments are to field two teams in the Pro14 and in light of the withdrawal of the Southern Kings, discussions are on-going about fulfilling this agreement from 2021 using a replacement team from its current professional franchises," read a statement from Pro14.

“Additionally, both Pro14 Rugby and SA Rugby are in early discussions about potentially expanding the tournament and deepening our partnership to include more South African franchises from 2021.”