‘They kicked us out’ – SA Rugby chief concerned Champions Cup ‘criticism’ could lead to Super Rugby scenario
SA Rugby’s Chief Executive Rian Oberholzer has put to rest the complaints from the local franchises concerning the Champions Cup schedule.
According to the South African teams, they find it difficult to compete at their best in Europe’s biggest club tournament because of travel.
This has created an extremely difficult situation for the Bulls, Sharks, and Stormers, as these teams also have to travel back and forth during the United Rugby Championship (URC) season.
Bulls and Sharks criticism
Jake White’s been a critic for added travel and last season defended his decision for a thinner troop into the quarter-final of the Champions Cup against Northampton Saints.
John Plumtree also recently gave his clear opinion after the heavy defeat the Sharks suffered against Leicester Tigers last weekend when he left many of his stars at home.
“I would have liked to bring our strongest Sharks team and played on the biggest stage,” Plumtree said after the 56-17 loss to Leicester. “I can understand their [the fans’] frustration.
“Do not worry about that. We are all competitive. But the reality is we’ve got to look after these athletes. They are not robots. They do not front up every week. And right now, the South African boys are treated like machines.”
‘The South African boys are treated like robots’ – Sharks boss John Plumtree takes aim at Champions Cup schedule after massacre against Leicester Tigers
In fact, Oberholzer has strong views against such comments as they may affect European clubs, letting South African franchise representatives listen to him in that regard.
SA Rugby’s chief executive believes URC and thus also EPCR are giving the country opportunities after losing Super Rugby in 2020.
‘Does not help our cause’
There, that’s the reality. The teams want to play in professional leagues and the United Rugby Championship and European competitions offer just that,” he told Rapport.
The South African clubs now have to accept that they are competing with two competitions simultaneously. Being so critical doesn’t help our cause.
“There are also clubs in the European competitions, the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup, which do not want us there. We must tread carefully not to shoot ourselves in our own foot by constantly criticising a competition we’re in through invitation. After all, it is our lifeblood.
One should remember that Super Rugby kicked us out. Were it not for the URC and European competitions, Currie Cup rugby would be the only one we by now would have available to play.
Trying to bring South Africa to the URC does pose a lot of logistical challenges. However, it seems to benefit everyone in the union because the league has grown since the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers joined.
”The URC works for us. No plans to exit,” said Oberholzer.
