NO POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF RAINBOW CUP?
THE Rainbow Cup is in doubt after reports emerged that the South African sides will not be able to travel to the UK. The tournament was meant to feature the 12 teams from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy, as well as South Africa’s four Super franchises – the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers. Having brought the PRO14 season to an early end, the new tournament, designed as a money-spinner as rugby continues to be affected by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, was due to start on April 24 and run through to the June 19 final.
The first three rounds, for which fixtures have been published, are comprised solely of domestic derbies. After that, the South African sides were due to mix in with their European opponents.
However, Rugby 365 has revealed that the
South African franchises were told this past week not to proceed with their visa applications. It is believed there are problems with clearance from the UK Government.
The four South African teams were due to be based in a bio-bubble in Bristol and then commute to their games in the four different countries.
It is reported that clearance has been obtained from most of the governments, but there are issues with the Bristol base.
When asked about reports over the weekend, Sharks CEO Eduard Coetzee on Sunday confirmed that the tournament was seemingly off. “We have little information at this stage, but it seems to be the case that the Rainbow Cup will be cancelled,” Coetzee told IOL.
The news will come as a blow for many different reasons.
Rassie Erasmus, South Africa’s director of rugby, and Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber had hoped to use the Rainbow Cup as part of their preparation for the British and Irish Lions tour in July and August – South Africa have not played a Test match since their World Cup final victory in 2019.
Cancellation of the tournament – or even just the cross-continental parts – would have a knock-on effect financially in terms of TV deals. It could also feasibly mean the scheduling of more domestic derbies as all the sides involved look to give players minutes ahead of the Lions tour to South Africa this summer.