PRO16.

South African franchise the Cheetahs have confirmed they will not be part of the PRO14 going forward with a brand new PRO16 competition set to be launched next year.

The Cheetahs and the Kings joined the cross border-competition two seasons ago but have not been part of it since before the lockdown as a result of travel restrictions and financial issues for the latter.

And now with Super Rugby in turmoil, PRO14 officials have moved to lure the heavyweight franchises of South Africa instead, with the Cheetahs and Kings missing out.

According to a press release issued by the Bloemfontein-based outfit, South African rugby has instead opted to vote in ‘The four metro franchises (Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers)” to participate in a new PRO16 competition.

Interesting times ahead. What this means in terms of conferences and European qualification remains to be seen but it’s exciting nonetheless.

Have a listen to tomorrow’s episode of the Up & Under Podcast where Jamie Heaslip and I discuss the implications of these four mega-franchises competing in this exciting new competition.