Cape Town – South African Rugby Union chief executive Jurie Roux has re-stated his country’s commitment to staying in SANZAAR.
While the Cheetahs and Southern Kings are set to play their first games in the PRO14 competition at the weekend, it is not a sign that South Africa is looking exclusively to a future in Europe.
Roux told the Guardian that leaving SANZAAR was not something South Africa was looking at.
While the existing SANZAAR deal runs until 2020, South Africa is due to host the British and Irish Lions in 2021, a series that would have no future if South Africa turned its future towards Europe.
“This is a very exciting time for South Africa rugby,” said Roux.
The connection with the PRO14 gave South Africa options, something it didn’t have by a rigid connection with SANZAAR.
“We don’t have options in SANZAAR, which means you’re actually nowhere and that’s not where you want to be,” added Roux.
“But we are really good for each other, s