The debate around South African rugby's future continues to rage, with prominent figures voicing contrasting opinions on the United Rugby Championship (URC) and the potential return to Super Rugby. Frans Steyn, Cheetahs director of rugby, has openly expressed his preference for Super Rugby, citing concerns about the URC's timing and overall impact.
Steyn's Super Rugby Stance
Steyn's sentiment echoes a wider discussion about the optimal path for South African rugby's growth and competitiveness. He believes a return to Super Rugby would provide a more suitable environment for South African teams. This comes after the Cheetahs and Southern Kings were excluded from the PRO14, with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers joining the URC.
“For me personally,” Steyn said on the Behind The Ruck podcast, “I prefer Super Rugby”.
Skinstad's Burnout Warning
Adding to the complexity, former Springbok captain Bob Skinstad has raised concerns about potential burnout among Springboks due to the demanding, year-round schedule resulting from participation in both the URC and the Rugby Championship. He suggests that the constant playing could negatively impact the Springboks' chances of defending their World Cup title in 2027.
“We’re playing rugby in every month of the year,” Skinstad told Planet Rugby. “So when people say, ‘why can’t they [SA teams] make it through in Champions Cup?’ I’d say it’s down to pure game numbers. Something has to give eventually.”
The Impact on Champions Cup
Skinstad also pointed to the absence of South African teams in the Investec Champions Cup round-of-16 playoffs as a consequence of the relentless schedule. He argues that South Africa essentially swapped a summer season in the UK for a year-round commitment, potentially compromising performance in key competitions.
- Super Rugby: Favoured by some for its historical significance and perceived suitability for SA teams.
- URC: Offers opportunities for derby games and integration with European rugby.
- Year-round schedule: Concerns raised about potential burnout and impact on Springboks' performance.
The debate underscores the challenges of navigating South African rugby's place in the global landscape, balancing the benefits of international competition with the need to protect player welfare and ensure long-term success.