REPORT: Cheetahs exploring Russia and USA

SPOTLIGHT: The Cheetahs have been proactive since there recent expulsion from Pro14.

The Bloemfontein-based franchise is reportedly exploring options to join competitive leagues in Russia or the United States.

Last month SA Rugby voted four teams into an expanded Pro Rugby competition in Europe – as well as retaining a place in a revised SANZAAR competition.

The Lions, Bulls, Sharks and Stormers are to compete in an expanded Pro16 from the 2021/22 European season, resulting in Cheetahs and bankrupt Southern Kings being dumped from European competition.

There were speculations that Cheetahs were looking to join an Australasian competition.

However, fresh reports at the weekend suggest that the Bloemfontein-based side are looking at options to join competitive leagues in Russia or the US.

According to Netwerk24, should the Cheetahs join a competition abroad, the franchise and their sponsors will have to fund their participation.

However, joining US’s Major League Rugby (MLR) comes with logistic and financial challenges which could derail all the plans.

While a move to Russia is certainly more intriguing, given that the Free State team could compete in the European Shield and/or European Challenge Cup.

The Cheetahs hope to get more clarity on playing in Russia in the next 14 days, Netwerk24 reported.

Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie addressed his team’s axing from the Pro14 and their alternative options.

“Everything is in the hands of SA Rugby. They will have to make a decision for Free State Rugy,” Fourie told reporters after the Cheetahs’ 19-17 win over Bulls on Friday.

“There are still a lot of things that need to looked at, however, the Union are working relentlessly behind the scenes,”

Source: Netwerk24 & Sport24