Mark Alexander

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has denied reports that SA’s top four rugby franchises have been dumped out of the upcoming Rainbow Cup.

Rainbow Cup shambles set to go ahead, BUT …

The shambolic Rainbow Cup is set to go ahead, but with several radical tournament alterations.

Mark Alexander

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander has denied reports that SA’s top four rugby franchises have been dumped out of the upcoming Rainbow Cup.

The shambolic Rainbow Cup is set to go ahead, but with several radical tournament alterations.

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The Stormers were due to host the Sharks in the tournament’s opener on Friday, 23 April at the Cape Town Stadium, followed by the Bulls welcoming the Lions to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 24 April.

Those matches are now set to be delayed by seven days and will take place next weekend, according to SA Rugby mag.

SA Rugby, despite only 48 hours to go, STILL haven’t made any official announcement.

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As reported on The South African website on Tuesday, South Africa’s involvement in the Rainbow Cup was deemed impossible due to the necessary travel clearances not being approved in time.

Following several high-level meetings in the last few days, the tournament won’t be “scrapped” altogether, but will take place with a radically amended format.

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The 12 European teams will compete in a “North” division while the four South African sides will play in a “South” section.

Further down the line it will be determined whether any cross-over matches will take place should the SA teams in particular be given the thumbs up to travel.

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For many the thought of the SA teams playing each other AGAIN will be too traumatic to comprehend having already done so THREE times in the past six months in Super Rugby Unlocked, the Currie Cup and the Kick-Off Pools preparation series.

Originally – and somewhat baffling to many – the Rainbow Cup was due to include just six matches for each of the 16 teams in a single log with the top two sides to contest the final on 19 June.

Answers on a postcard if that makes any sense whatsoever!

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