Cheetahs and Kings eye Champions Cup
South African clubs want European spots after joining Pro14 this season
There is growing momentum behind the scenes for the two South African teams who joined the Pro14 this season, the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, to be allowed to compete in the Champions Cup.
Neither are currently eligible for qualification for the European club competitions, even though the Cheetahs finished in a qualifying position this season and have made it through to the Pro14 play-offs.
However, it is understood that conversations have been taking place between key stakeholders about opening up the tournament to the South African sides, who are keen to be involved, having been cut from Super Rugby.
And while it is understood the issue is not on the agenda for the board meeting of European Professional Club Rugby tomorrow, senior club sources say it is only a matter of time before it is given serious consideration.
There are also concerns that the review of the England domestic season as part of the overhaul of the global calendar from 2019 could see the Champions Cup reduced from 20 teams to 16 to free up more weekends, given the desire to retain the seven-week length of the Six Nations.
The original format of two 24-club tournaments was reduced to 20 when the former organising body, ERC, was disbanded in 2014 following pressure from the English and French clubs for a greater degree of meritocracy and commercial control.
Significantly, the current participation agreement does not allow for any changes to the format of either the Champions Cup or Challenge Cup until 2022, unless there is unanimous support.
However, in terms of the inclusion of the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, the carrot of a slice of the South African television broadcasting revenues is likely to prove tempting for those seeking to increase the commercial value of the European competitions.
And if the Cheetahs go on to win this season’s Pro14, the clamour for their inclusion is expected to heighten.
The South African Rugby Union has already stated its desire for the two clubs to be allowed to compete in Europe, having signed them up for an initial six years to compete in the Pro14.