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Pro14 chief forecasts inevitable US expansion
By Peter Hanson
It is a matter of "when, not if" Pro14 expands to include a team from the east coast of the United States, according to the league's chief executive Martin Anayi.
The competition grew from 12 to 14 teams this season to include Southern Kings and Cheetahs from South Africa, who have lost their place in Super Rugby.
Newcastle Falcons are due to play a Premiership fixture against Saracens in Philadelphia on Saturday as part of a partnership between the league and American broadcaster NBC Sports.
And Anayi, who helped bring the South African sides to Pro14, is keen to tap into a potentially lucrative American market.
"We are thinking about what is next," Anayi said in an interview with The Times.
"The two teams in South Africa can change our game and change our tournament and if we get that right we shouldn't stop there.
"We would be looking to expand again at some stage. We have got to do things differently. When it comes to America we have to be innovative.
"The English have got a great thing going in Philadelphia and it will go really well.
"How do we play to our strengths as Celtic nations but also nations with huge diaspora, Italian and South African, around the world?
"What are the key markets to become global [as a competition]? We have had more than expressions of interest [in the US], we have had real solid business cases that would make it work on the east coast, and so it is a question of when, not if."
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I'd rate the brothers Hendricks a point or two lower. Jaden has really not delivered on his early promise and Jordan's kicking at posts was quite erratic. Amongst other things.
I was really surprised that DuhDuh was replaced and not Jordan. DuhDuh had a great game and just underlined his class in a backline that was not firing on all cylinders.
Damian Willemse was missed. Hopefully he'll be back to full fitness and have an injury free 2025 (and '26 and '27 and so on until he decides to retire to spend time with his grandchildren).
RG was great. What an athlete.
Very happy that Hanekom made his debut at last. He gave a good account of himself and will hopefully grow into his role on the international stage.
All things considered, this was another frustrating Bok performance. Even though it was a comfortable win, it wasn't a commanding win. This Welsh team should've been put away by a far larger margin.
But I have faith in Dr Rassie. He knows more than I do. Bring on 2027 😁
Go to commentsGo the AB's .. Probs win by about 30 I reckon ... Cheers ..
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