Pumas eager for Currie Cup challenge
The Currie Cup is returning to a more intense, strength-versus-strength format this year following a decision of the SA Rugby Special General Council on Friday, March 3.
The Premier Division is contracting from nine to seven teams, including the top six sides from last season, and the Pumas, who had the best record of the remaining teams over the past five years.
Mpumalanga Rugby Union CEO Pieter Burger said that the team is humbled by the opportunity to once again participate in one of the oldest and most prestigious rugby competitions in the world.
"There’s been a huge amount of improvement over the past several years and we are grateful to have received recognition for that. We’ve never wanted to be seen as a team that’s just kept in a competition for good graces, that’s never part of our dreams and aspirations.
"We want to consistently drive ourselves to be better, beat some of the bigger franchises and continually grow," said Burger.
Burger added that the much-anticipated decision was healthy for the psychology of players, staff, supporters and sponsors.
"There has been some uncertainty about whether we would be in the Premier Division so this decision is extremely important from a playing, coaching and commercial perspective.
"A lot of players are attracted to the Pumas because we’ve become known as a very good union which advances careers. This decision, therefore, continues that attraction," Burger said.
The tournament kicks off on August 12, the week after the final of Super Rugby.
The Final takes place on October 28.
First up for the Pumas is the Interprovincial Challenge tournament, a revamped version of the Currie Cup qualifying competition incorporating the north, south and central divisions.
The exciting new format will include televised Sunday rugby festivals at community stadiums and clubs, as well as triple headers and regional championships.
Before the competition kicks-off at the end of April, the Pumas will prepare with warm-up matches against the Golden Lions, Western Province and the Sharks.
