Cheetahs a step closer to participating in new comp

NEWS: The Cheetahs are a step closer to participating in a new competition after a successful conference in Bloemfontein.

Representatives from international rugby stakeholders, SA Rugby, and other countries met to discuss the finances, the logistics and competition formats of a future tournament, called the Intercontinental Shield.

The conference was led by Howard Thomas, Managing Director of Redstrike Rugby, organisers of the proposed competition and delegates from Russia, Romania, Spain, Germany, the Cheetahs and SA Rugby attended the conference.

Additional meetings were held with representatives from Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Delegates will now report back to their governing bodies and a follow-up conference is being planned.

The aim is to launch the competition in the latter part of 2022 and years to follow.

The goal is to create a high-level competition that will grow in stature over time and eventually link up with other competitions to create aspirational play-off opportunities for participating teams.

Thomas, who led the discussions, said that he was very satisfied with the level of engagement and enthusiasm around creating new opportunities.

"With any new tournament across borders, a great deal of detailed negotiation and decision making is involved but this conference got off to a concrete and face-to-face start in the process and we will take it further," said Thomas.

Harold Verster, Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs said: "It was a privilege for the Cheetahs to host the delegates on the eve of the final match of the Toyota Challenge [Cheetahs v Baia Mare].

"The Cheetahs look forward to being involved in this international competition and will contribute and engage to make this happen.

"The Cheetahs were trailblazers in Pro14 and are we are keen to get back into an international competition to show our mettle and worth."