Toyota Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan has stated that rejoining a top-tier international competition like the United Rugby Championship (URC) is a key part of their long-term vision, and they are actively exploring opportunities for inclusion.
Ongoing uncertainty regarding Welsh rugby's future in the URC, the shelving of a potential USA team by SA Rugby over travel concerns, and the RFU's decision to block English Championship clubs from joining the competition have collectively left a potential opening that the Cheetahs are well-placed to seize.
Duncan emphasised that international rugby is important for their players and their passionate supporters, and the goal is to take the team back to a level where they can earn that support and succeed on the international stage.
He also stated that competing in an international league like the URC or Super Rugby is a primary objective for the Cheetahs' long-term sustainability and to restore their status as a premier South African union.
He views URC inclusion as a "privilege" and essential for the development of players and to satisfy their support base.
“We don’t want to let an opportunity slip away. We are well aware of the situation in Wales and everything that’s going on. It would be a privilege to be in the URC competition.”
“We are always looking for opportunities, trying to explore what is available to us,” he said. “That is an ongoing process, and hopefully we will be able to get into a competition at some point in the not-too-distant future.”