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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England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
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Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
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Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
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Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
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Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
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It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
