South African rugby is reportedly looking to exit Super Rugby and throw their franchises into a Northern Hemisphere competition.
According to Wales Online , three of the four current South African sides in Super Rugby are set to join Europe's Pro14 competition by the start of the 2020-21 season.
The Sharks, Stormers and Lions would join the Cheetahs and Southern Kings in the Pro14, which features teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales - the competition grew from 12 to 14 teams this season to accommodate the two South African sides after they were culled from Super Rugby.
Wales Online reports the insertion into the Northern game has been so seamless for both the Cheetahs and Kings that the other three interested teams are now looking to transfer over as early as next year, with two entering the Pro14 in the 2019-20 season and the remaining team joining the following year.
"South Africa's franchises have grown increasingly disillusioned with competing in Super Rugby alongside opposition from New Zealand, Australia and Argentina," Wales Online said.
The report added that South African Rugby officials see their teams as unfairly disadvantaged due to the time zones and travel in the SANZAAR competition.
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