Cheetahs boss: South Africa's rugby future is in the northern hemisphere

Cheetahs CEO Harold Verster is confident that South African rugby's best move would be to leave SANZAAR and head to Europe.

"There's a future for South African rugby in the northern hemisphere, and it doesn't have to be the Super Rugby sides. It's a brilliant strategic move by (SA Rugby chief executive) Jurie Roux. This is an investment that will pay off in about three years," Verster told Sport24.

"If we can get involved in the European Rugby Champions Cup, we'll be involved in something even bigger than Super Rugby."

"The figures are sensitive and confidential, but the money is bigger than Super Rugby's by a country mile."

SANZAAR CEO Andy Marinos has been forced to defend the strength of South Africa's position in Super Rugby, following reports that more sides - including the Lions, Sharks and Stormers - could follow the Super Rugby castoff Cheetahs and Kings to the PRO14.

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The Cheetahs lost their quarterfinal against the Scarlets last week, capping a successful 12-win first season - one less win than they managed over their last three seasons of Super Rugby.

"The PRO14 overlaps with the Currie Cup and we don't have our home derbies like we did in Super Rugby," said Verster.

"We miss our derbies, but not the travel and, for some reason, their culture of rugby is similar to ours. It's a fantastic competition to be involved in."

For Verster's side to get involved in the European Champions Cup, South Africa Rugby would have to become a full partner of the PRO14, a partnership Verster is urging the union to consider.

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