Southern Kings, Cheetahs out of Super Rugby
SA Rugby has confirmed that the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings have been cut from next year's Super Rugby competition.
The Cheetahs have opted for a settlement with SA Rugby which will allow it to explore other international competition opportunities.
"The board of the Toyota Cheetahs has reviewed the team's future and is extremely positive about the prospect of appearing in alternative international competitions," says Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster.
"It will be an exciting challenge for our players, supporters and commercial partners and will be the start of a new chapter for rugby both in our region and in South Africa. Also, it will allow the Toyota Cheetahs to carve out a new and prominent place on the rugby map in South Africa as well as internationally."
Meanwhile, the Southern Kings says it will also explore other international competition opportunities.
"It has been a roller coaster ride for the franchise for a number of seasons but there is now a clear and viable way forward for rugby in the Eastern Cape to build on the foundations that have been laid - particularly in the past season," says Andre Rademan, president of the EPRU.
"We have enjoyed Vodacom Super Rugby but the chance to test ourselves against different opposition in different conditions is a mouth-watering one. We are therefore not opposed to joining new competitions. With all stakeholders pulling in the same direction we can bring success and excitement to rugby in the Eastern Cape."
Rugby analyst Brenden Nel told JacarandaFM News' Marius van der Walt the decision comes as no surprise.
The new structure will comprise four teams from South Africa, five from New Zealand, four from Australia and one each from Argentina and Japan.
SA Rugby will confirm the four participants after the Special General Meeting on Friday.