The Pro12 is set to be expanded to accommodate two South African sides from next season, the BBC reports.


The Cheetahs and Southern Kings would be joining the Pro 12 to make it Pro14 after exiting the Super Rugby.

The expansion is set to bring in at least £6 million annually from the South African Rugby Union (SARU) and TV money. The agreement has been reached for a six year deal so it would benefit the league. This is set to be formally announced soon once the legal requirements are met.

The amended Pro14 league would resume in September with two conferences of seven sides apiece. Each conference would have a South African side, an Italian side, a Scotland rugby team and two each from Wales and Ireland.

Several formats are being discussed for the fixtures. The teams are expected to play each other home and away in their conferences and then play derby games to make 21 matches. (more…)