The Toyota Cheetahs have denied receiving an official invite to play in their European rugby competition, the Pro12.
On Thursday BBC Scotland reported that an official invite had been extended to the Central South African franchise to compete against the best teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
The Cheetahs have been linked with a move up north seeing that they are one of the South African Super Rugby teams which are set to be culled as the competition reduces it from 18 to 15 teams.
The Cheetahs have confirmed that they have been communicating with the Pro12 as a possibility and the players themselves have welcomed the challenge of competing against the like of Leinster, Munster, Ulster, Scarlets and Cardiff Blues.
Previously the Cheetahs also said that playing in the Super Rugby would remain the first prize.
Apart from the Cheetahs facing the axe, the Southern Kings, as well as the Melbourne Rebels and Western Force, are also under threat.
It is also the believed that the three-time Super Rugby champions, the Bulls, aren’t 100% sure of their participation in the Southern Hemisphere tournament as from 2018.
It is further believed that the Pro12 has denied sending the Cheetahs an official invite.
The Southern African Rugby Union (SARU) has indicated that they too are in discussions to ensure the future of the two cut South African franchises.
The 2017 Currie Cup is set to start earlier this year and will in fact overlap with the play-off rounds in the Super Rugby.
This could be an indication that South African teams may very well be set to compete in the lucrative European competitions. – MORGAN PIEK
