SA to axe Super Rugby teams next month

SOUTH AFRICAN rugby has set July 7 as the date when they will decide on which two of the country’s teams will be dropped from Super Rugby for next season.

The number of SA sides will be cut from six to four, as the tournament is reduced from 18 teams to 15 after criticism from broadcasters over the quality of the product.

The decision by SA Rugby will be made at a special general meeting to be hosted in Cape Town, with the Cheetahs and Southern Kings expected to be the teams axed.

Reports emerged this week that the Cheetahs’ proposal to join the Pro 12 competition, with clubs from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, has already been met with a favourable response from SA Rugby. SA Rugby’s Franchise Committee, which is made up of representatives of the six teams currently competing in Super Rugby, will make a recommendation to the Executive Council on which sides should be dropped.

That proposal will also be discussed by the Non-Franchise Committee, which consists of the CEOs of SA’s 14 provincial unions.

The Executive Council will then table a proposal at the Special General Meeting, where it is highly likely to be ratified without debate.

Australia will lose the other team due to be cut.