Playing in PRO14 no picnic, Kings coach warns

If SA’s Super Rugby teams dive into the icy waters of the northern hemisphere-based Guinness PRO14 they will be in for a rude awakening, Kings interim head coach Robbi Kempson has warned.

With SA Rugby looking to find a new competition for the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers, the Kings and Cheetahs could be heading for the PRO14 exit door.

SA’s search for greener pastures was prompted after New Zealand Rugby revealed plans to cull SA’s teams and Argentina’s Jaguares from Super Rugby in 2021 in a radical shake-up.

SA Rugby CEO Jurie Roux is holding a media briefing today where he is expected to bring clarity on the road ahead for SA rugby.

“If PRO16 were to be the future of two more South African sides, and the likes of the Bulls and Stormers join, there is no doubt it would strengthen the competition,” Kempson said.

“They would quickly realise how arduous a task it is playing up North.

“There are many permutations on the table of different competition structures including a global season which is long overdue.

“I am still of the belief that New Zealand rugby and SA Rugby need to coexist for a competitive conduit for both.

“Hence Sanzaar still should have a role to play.”

Kempson firmly believes that the PRO14 is a tougher tournament than Super Rugby.

He made his point clear after a humiliating 50-0 defeat against Glasgow Warriors in Scotland,

“This young group of players can now understand what it takes to perform in a European competition,” he said.

“It is completely different and much tougher than any Super Rugby and Currie Cup competition could ever give them.”

He admitted that the level of play in the PRO14 was an eye-opener for the Kings players, but said the benefits of playing in the northern hemisphere showpiece had been valuable in their development.

“I think the players were shocked at first and, having played for Ulster myself, reality certainly sets in when you find yourself playing against teams loaded with internationals every week,” Kempson said.

“That said, I believe this experience will benefit the players immensely because this is a great platform to measure themselves against some of the best in the world.”

With prospects of the Kings playing PRO14 matches in 2020 remote because of Covid19 restrictions, their best hope of seeing any action will be in an enlarged Currie Cup

“I’m sure the Kings and Cheetahs would be very interested in seeing what would transpire regarding a derby league,” he said.

“Maybe a few eyes would be opened as to the extent of the challenge that is Guinness PRO14.

“I would think there may be a few surprise results.

“It is always nice to play against SA teams and for the Cheetahs and Kings it will be a big challenge because we have not played against Super Rugby teams recently.

“The players would be very excited to test themselves against SA’s Super Rugby teams.”

An expanded Currie Cup would be SA’s answer to the New Zealand Aotearoa competition and Super Rugby Australia’s tournament.

SA, however, are said to be planning to go further than the four Super Rugby teams by including the Kings, Cheetahs, Griquas and Pumas.

If the new-look gets off the ground the final could be played in late December.

“For us a domestic competition would be a significant step in the right direction, not just for Kings, but SA Rugby in general,” Kempson said.