Cheetahs to make shock URC return

The Cheetahs will replace the last-placed South African team on the URC log for next season’s tournament.

After being kicked out of Super Rugby at the end of the 2017 season, the Bloemfontein-based franchise joined the Pro14 and qualified for the quarter-finals at their first attempt.

However, their third season in Europe was cut short by the international lockdown and they were not among the four South African teams included in the new expanded URC tournament from 2021-22, with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers heading north after bidding Super Rugby farewell.

Since then, the Cheetahs have had to make do with the Currie Cup, SA Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, but they now have a chance to join the URC at the expense of South Africa’s last-placed team this season (currently the Lions, in 14th position).

“I was thrilled to wake up to the news that I would be a lot busier next season,” said the Cheetahs mascot on Tuesday. “But then I remembered what today was and my happy purr became an angry roar.”

Up north, the Lions mascot was relieved he would not have to freelance for the Lions cricket team, who play most of their matches in an empty Wanderers stadium.

“I know our rugby crowds aren’t that great either, but Ellis Park does hold 60,000 fans and the few that do pitch up for URC games don’t need to be subjected to fake news, even if it is April Fool’s Day.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images