South African Teams Join Guinness Pro14
Celtic Rugby and the South African Rugby Union have confirmed that the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings will join an expanded Guinness PRO14 tournament in time for the 2017/18 season.
The long-rumoured agreement has finally been signed by both parties, which will allow the participation of two South African franchises in the now renamed Guinness PRO14 Championship.
The agreement means that the championship will take place across the northern and southern hemispheres and marks the first phase of expansion as the competition as a global tournament.
The Guinness PRO14 will adopt a two-conference model which will allow for the new clubs to be added into the championship without need to add extra rounds in 2017/18.
The teams split into two conferences of seven made up of two Welsh, two Irish and one team each from Scotland, Italy and South Africa. The matches will also be played only on Saturdays, to allow for five travel-free days before games.
The first round of matches is due to be played on the first weekend of September, with the first fixtures to be announced on 7th August.
According to media reports, the addition of the two new teams could bring in an extra £6m a year in revenue.
Martin Anayi, CEO, Guinness PRO14, said: “The arrival of the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings marks a bold and exciting new chapter for the Guinness PRO14 as a global rugby championship.
“As a country, South Africa is a rugby powerhouse of over 55 million people. These teams already operate to the high standards demanded by Super Rugby and they will add to the quality of our tournament.
“Our unions and World Rugby are committed to broadening the game and this move is evidence of our ambition to lead the way in growing the club game beyond our own borders, which in turn will unlock the true potential of this tournament. Expansion is in the DNA of the championship and ever since the Celtic League kicked off the 2001 Cross Border competition has thrived.
Jurie Roux, CEO, SA Rugby, added: “This development is as exciting as the launch of Super Rugby itself back in 1996.
“It marks the start of a new adventure for rugby in South Africa with a number of exciting opportunities. It will not be without its challenges in aligning with a competition in a different part of the calendar and in very different playing conditions; but it is also a fantastic opportunity for South African rugby to widen our rugby horizons.
“This time next year South African provincial teams will be competing in 11 countries on five continents. We believe the Toyota Cheetahs’ and Kings’ participation will be good for the competition and good for the teams.”
Bill Beaumont, World Rugby chairman said: “Following consideration of PRO14’s submission, including strategic goals and evaluation of the global rugby benefits, the World Rugby EXCO was unanimous in approving expansion.
“This approval was granted under the proviso that key strategic conditions will be met. This includes the implementation of a detailed player welfare plan, which we are delighted PRO14 are fully committed to. We look forward to the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the competition’s history.”
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