Springbok warning over new additions

WELSH rugby supporters have been urged to be patient amid a stark warning it could take the Cheetahs and Southern Kings up to two years to be competitive in the new Guinness PRO14, writes Andy Howell.

And South African Rugby Union chief executive Jurie Roux appeared to dash hopes the Republic’s major Super Rugby teams Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and back-to-back finalists Lions could follow the pathfinders north.

He also revealed the PRO14 television deal with broadcasters in South Africa, which Wales’ regions hope will bank them an extra £500,000 each, was still being thrashed out, admitting some games may not be screened.

Strugglers Cheetahs and Kings were kicked out of Super Rugby following this year’s tournament – Australian team Western Force were also controversially chopped – during a cull when the number of teams reverted to 15 from 18 following a failed expansion.

But the two South African franchises were offered a lifeline by PRO12 governors, provided they brought money to the table and a deal was quickly struck.

It has resulted in the PRO14 – Scarlets sensationally ran their way to last season’s PRO12 title by demolishing Irish and European big guns Leinster and Munster in Ireland – being split into two Conferences of seven.

Roux, speaking candidly and in detail about the deal which makes the PRO14 the second