South African teams will be able to take part in the European Champions Cup as early as next year following the launch of the United Rugby Championship in place of the Pro14. That paves the way for South African teams to come up against Premiership opposition in Europe – a move welcomed by the Sale and Springboks scrum-half Faf de Klerk. The Springboks are due to be in Rugby Championship action when the URC kicks off, however. Indeed, the new URC structure means South Africa internationals could face 11-month seasons with only February off. “South African rugby has for many years imagined a future aligned with northern hemisphere rugby,” said the South Africa Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux.

Source: The Guardian June 15, 2021 17:03 UTC