Chiefs coach Colin Cooper says it is tough to imagine a Super Rugby competition without any South African teams.
A report from Wales Online on Monday (NZ time) says that two South African outfits will leave Super Rugby to enter the Pro14 for the 2019/20 campaign, with another joining for the following season.
- South African Super Rugby teams set to join Pro14, according to reports
- Lions boss Kevin de Klerk will consider moving north to join Pro14
The Pro14 is a top rugby competition featuring professional teams from Italy, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, and South Africa.
It used to be just a European completion, but it grew from 12 to 14 when the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs and Port Elizabeth-based Kings joined last year after being culled from Super Rugby.
Although Sanzaar chief executive Andy Marinos refuted these claims, Lions president Kevin de Klerk said they aren't ruling out the possibility of leaving Super Rugby, saying there are 'millions of pounds on offer in Europe'.
The Chiefs are currently in South Africa for a two-game trip which will see them face the Stormers and Sharks respectively and when asked by media about the future of the tournament, Cooper said it wouldn't be the same without the South African sides.
"I can't imagine that," Cooper said.
"I don't know what it is, but Super Rugby has been around for so long, and South Africa, New Zealand and Australia have really formed the competition.
"All the countries, particularly South Africa and New Zealand, have been rewarded for the tough competition that it is.
"The travel is probably the negative of the competition, but I'm sure the people above (Sanzaar) can organise it so that the travel is not such a major factor."
Cooper also believes that South African teams have improved significantly this year.
"They're looking dangerous," he said.
"I think all the South African teams are playing a more balanced game with expansiveness and using their set piece.
"I think South African rugby is looking exciting and looking good."
Newshub.
