Why SARU's elite fixture expansion is a 'winner'
Three of South Africa’s most prominent teams, which don’t play in the United Rugby Championship, will henceforth get regular international opposition.
And they may be joined by other SA unions in the not-too-distant future.
The newly revamped Challenge series will kick off in Bloemfontein in June and features the Cheetahs, Griquas, and Pumas playing elite European outfits.
This year, Black Lion from Georgia, who also play in the Challenge Cup with the Cheetahs, will return to Bloemfontein, and they will be joined by the Lusitanos from Portugal and Romania ‘A’.
The first leg of the competition – in which the three South African teams will face the three visiting sides – is scheduled for Bloemfontein on June 5, 10 and 14 in Bloemfontein.
The second leg will play out in Tbilisi, Georgia, in October.
In the run-in to the SA Cup play-offs, Cheetahs coach and Springbok legend Frans Steyn tactfully sidestepped the questions.
He, rightfully, wanted to focus on qualifying for the play-offs and securing the Cheetahs’ place in the Currie Cup.
However, he often publicly stated that the Cheetahs need more ‘international exposure’ and regular competition, not the ‘piecemeal’ offerings they have received recently.
The new Challenge series finally offers the Cheetahs, Pumas and Griquas invaluable international exposure.
(Continue below ….)
South African Rugby Union President Mark Alexander says it is all part of a long-term strategy.
“We are creating opportunities for the next level of professional players,” Alexander said.
“They are playing in South Africa in June and October, all the teams head to Georgia [for the second round].
“Next year we might have two more teams there [in SA] and two more teams in the Georgia leg.”
The SARU boss explained that this format is a lot more ‘cost-effective’, as the teams will be based either in South Africa or Georgia for a month at a time.
There will not be any additional or extensive travelling.
It is billed as a ‘strategic investment’ in the growth of the game.
(WATCH as SARU President Mark Alexander explains why the new Challenge series will be a winner in the ongoing drive for South Africa to remain at No.1 in the world……)
Coaching collaboration between the various provinces and franchises is another item high on the SARU agenda.
Alexander dismissed the notion that coaches will be revealing ‘game plans’.
“[Coaches in] New Zealand do that, Argentina and Ireland do as well.
“They work together and share information.
“We want to do that better.”
“The Challenge is a strategic investment in the growth of the game”.
@JanDKrugby
@rugby365com
