In many ways it is the epitome of a modern day, Covid-created dilemma. Do you take the shiny, moneymaking option of adding the ‘Big Four’ to the PRO12 to make it a PRO16, or do you stand by the Cheetahs, who have been part of the PRO14 over the past three seasons, and keep them in the mix?
I certainly feel for the Cheetahs. The pandemic put paid to their pretty realistic hopes of reaching the play-offs last season and now they face being left in the cold completely.
Having told SANZAR they will be pulling out of Super Rugby, the four Bok franchises now need somewhere to play. Equally as important, rugby broadcaster Super Sport need them to be playing in a meaningful competition, rather than merely playing among themselves.
It seems that all the PRO12 – then PRO14, back to PRO12 and soon possibly PRO16 – needs is money. Integrity and fair play don’t seem to be any part of the equation. In their seemingly insatiable desire to create more wealth for the game to try to keep it afloat they appear ready to ditch one of their newest partners without the blink of an eye.
No doubt the small print will reveal there was always going to be a denouement at this stage, putting the Cheetahs’ fate back in the melting pot, but it is hard to argue with the view of their CEO Harold Verster when he claims the rugby authorities are preparing to “throw us out of the bus”. You can only feel sorry for them.
Denne historien er fra October 04, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra October 04, 2020-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
