Boks to the future
Warriors ace Henry hails ‘exciting’ new Pro-14 challenge
HENRY PYRGOS can’t wait for the brand new Pro14 challenge – and the chance to square up to top South African sides.
The Glasgow co-captain couldn’t disguise his delight the Guinness Championship will now feature the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings.
And Pyrgos told the younger players in his Warriors squad to prepare for a whole new dimension in their rugby experience when the season kicks off next month.
Glasgow will be in Conference A with the Cheetahs which means a trip to Bloemfontein. Edinburgh, in Conference B, will go into battle with the Kings in Port Elizabeth.
Both Scots pro sides will also host the Bok bruisers and will face each other at least three times in 1872 derby showdowns. Scotland scrum-half Pyrgos declared: “This is all massively exciting.
“The guys at the club have been chatting about it since the plan became a likelihood.
“The league will have two very strong South African teams that have been competing in Super Rugby in the southern hemisphere for the past few years.
“All the lads in the squad watch a lot of Super Rugby, even the earlymorning games!
“And we’ve seen quite a bit of the Cheetahs over the last few months.
“Like us, they play a fast brand of rugby and have featured in several high-scoring encounters.
“Taking them on will be a real challenge, especially on their turf.
“It is such an exciting prospect for the younger guys who have never been to South Africa or who have not played there.”
Scottish Rugby chief operating officer Dom McKay added: “The clubs will have access to the vibrant commercial market in South Africa.
“Revenue from that will filter down to the playing side and enable us to keep more of our own talent in Scotland.”
Teams will face their conference rivals home and away and take on each side in the other group once. New Edinburgh boss Richard Cockerill said: “This is a groundbreaking move. The English Premiership and French Top 14 will keep a close eye on the tournament.”