Expansion.

South Africa’s four Super Rugby sides: the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Sharks, are poised to join an extended Pro14 competition in early 2021, according to The Daily Telegraph.

The four teams have long been linked with joining the cross-border competition with two South African sides in the Cheetahs and the Kings already part of the league.

Both of those teams, however, will not compete again in the competition this year due to travel restrictions but officials are planning to invite their South African friends to take part next year when things hopefully return to some form of normality.

And with the Super Rugby currently in disarray – talks between PRO14 boss Martin Anayi and  South Africa Rugby Union chief executive Jurie Roux are said to be well underway.

“The four Super Rugby sides are effectively looking for a tournament to play in,” an insider with knowledge of the negotiations told the Daily Telegraph.

“In terms of time zones, availability and the quality of competition, the PRO14 is the only realistic option.”

Should they join it’s unclear whether or not the Kings and the Cheetahs would remain in the competition with the former currently unable to compete in any competition due to financial problems.

The South Africans have a general council meeting next month, but the report suggests an announcement from the PRO14 could come even sooner.