Yup. I think it was inevitable, and has been a long time coming.
The maladministration of the past has caught up with them and they just can't keep afloat the sinking ship.
It's a real pity though for the region, but hopefully the EPRU, along with Border can maybe look at starting another venture, but get it right from the start.
I feel extremely sorry for the players though, they haven't received salaries for a while now, and as soon as it looks like they are getting back to action, this happens. Hopefully the other franchises will snap up some of the bulk of their players. Catrakilis might not be a bad idea for the Bulls with their flyhalf stock being a bit low at the moment.
The question is though, what will happen now with Pro14 in the future, will there be a battle between the Griquas and Pumas for the Kings' place?
Or will there be a big shake up??
I think it will revert back to the Pro12, something tells me there is not enough money to fund the South African sides in the Pro 14.
Easiest solution short term is probably just reverting to the Pro12 for a year, the combination of the virus, financial uncertainty and uneven numbers just being annoying means it's probably the best option.
Don't think the door being shut permanently though, the Kings were minnows but the Cheetahs were a genuine addition to the league, I guess we'll see how it plays out.
excuse the ignorance, would just have a bye week and an odd number?
Next year there will be no South African teams. I hope they return.
I would like to see the Griquas take their place with the Big 4 (Bulls Lions Sharks Stormers) staying in Super Rugby
For some reason I don't think it will be Griquas. Most probably Pumas. The Griquas are right next to the Cheetahs geographically. Their stadium is in Kimberley, which is about 100km's from Bloemfontein where the Cheetahs are situated.
The Pumas on the other hand is geographically isolated close to the Mozambiquean border, and right next to the Kruger National Park. There is also a more improved airport and a better roads infrastructure. They also have a FIFA 2010 WC Stadium, and was poised to host a SA vs NZ match this year. Kimberley on the other hand has an old stadium. And I don't think will attract as many fans as the Pumas can.
That is to say if they go for the replacement of the Kings. If the Pro14 changes to the Pro16 or something else, to make way for the Super Rugby teams, then that is whole different discussion.
Probably wouldn't work because of too many games, a round robin with 13 teams would take 24 games, which is too long (right now there's a conference format keeping it at 21). Managing to structure conferences with uneven numbers of teams would be a massive headache (I'm sure it's possible to come up with something, but it's probably best avoided).excuse the ignorance, would just have a bye week and an odd number?
Reports now that the pro14 will become pro18. Not sure about this at all. Altough I like the idea of the south Africans in the comp, I think 18 teams altogether will be too many teams. With too big a gap in quality from the best to last.
Report: South African Super Rugby poised to join Pro14 by early 2021
South Africa's four Super Rugby sides - the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - are reportedly set to join Europe's Pro14 competition by early next year.www.rugbypass.com
You're lack of arrogance is sickening. It's your birth right.Would it be good for the league? Yes
Would it be good for my nice relaxing comfort rugby knowing my team will get a bonus point win every week? Probably not.
Either way, I'll believe it when I see it.