PRO14 expansion could see the Cheetahs and Kings axed - report

The latest developments in the PRO14 could see the competition further expanded into South Africa with the four Super Rugby franchises entering the competition but it would at the expense of the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.

According to the Rapport newspaper, if the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers join the European competition it would be at the expensive of the current South African sides, the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.

The changes could be in place as early as the 2020-21 season according to the report with the Cheetahs and Kings only staying on if the competition was expanded to 18 teams.

The Cheetahs were approached for comment by the Rapport with their managing director Harold Verster unable to guarantee that his franchise would be assured of participation in the Pro14 until at least 2022. A spokesperson for SA Rugby declined to comment.

This follows SA Rugby's CEO Jurie Roux saying that South Africa are still committed to Sanzaar despite the future of the southern-hemisphere Sanzaar partnership being questioned in recent times. With continued talks of Australia and New Zealand forming a trans-Tasman Super Rugby tournament which has the backing of a number of former and current players.

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