SA Join Pro 14 is a real Win-Win

Sir Ian McGeechan has labelled the upcoming Rainbow Cup as a game-changing moment for Welsh regions and a real coup which can bring the PRO14 out of the shadow of the English Premiership and France's Top 14.

He also feels the looming battles with the four South African teams can hasten plans for the world champion Springboks to perhaps join the Six Nations.

In column for the Telegraph, McGeechan was gushing about the new Rainbow Cup tournament which will see South Africa's provinces the Bulls, Stormers, Lions and Sharks go head to head with Welsh, Irish, Scottish and Italian sides. 

The competition starts in April, with teams split into two conferences and a final on June 19.

Lions coaching legend McGeechan feels standards will have to be raised and the extra revenue brought in from a lucrative South African TV market can only help the European sides.

The PRO14 continues to receive huge criticism from many quarters, with question marks over attendances and the standard of rugby on show. The rugby in the Xmas period derby matches involving Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Scarlets and Dragons came under scrutiny. 

But McGeechan writes: "For the PRO14 this coup could transform a league which has operated in the shadow of the English Premiership and French Top 14.

"The financial benefits of access to the largest television market in Africa, and a country where rugby is the leading sport, are clear, as is South African rugby’s access to the European market.

"PRO14 playing standards will rise dramatically, while the injection of money should help player retention in South Africa.

"When it comes to playing standards, the PRO14’s European clubs will need to up their game significantly, but the South Africans also believe it will help them raise their game. Indeed, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has been very positive about the upside in South African players being challenged by new referees, game approach and interpretations.

"He sees the northern hemisphere game as closer in style to Test rugby, so thinks the exposure will benefit his players."

McGeechan says the move into rugby of private equity company CVC has acted as an accelerant for the change, with the South African sides also set to join the Guinness PRO league full time.

And he anticipates further change, with the Springboks playing in the Six Nations as well as the Rugby Championship.

"Innovative thinking can move mountains. For instance, SA Rugby recently committed the Springboks to play in the Rugby Championship until 2030, but with its four major teams now part of the European season, why not play in the Six Nations as well? CVC would no doubt be keen," says McGeechan.

"And where does a prospective PRO16 leave the Champions Cup? If the four South African sides become part of that infrastructure, it will produce a better tournament and significantly increased revenues."

"Cross-hemisphere rugby is not without its challenges, as anyone who has played in Durban’s subtropical heat and humidity in January can attest, but the potential benefits of evolution are incredible.

"The Rainbow Cup could mark a watershed for world rugby. If I am right, the next 10 years could be a transformative era for rugby."