MARK KEOHANE urges South Africans to appreciate an unprecedented access to top-tier club rugby, a far cry from days when their exposure was limited to domestic matches.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane emphasises the privilege of local talent and teams competing in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

He acknowledges the adjustment for fans from the Republic to watching December and January rugby, but stresses the unique thrill of these tournaments, especially with South Africa’s inclusion.

Keohane contrasts this with an era of sporting isolation when only local amateur club matches dominated headlines while recalling Toulon’s treble-winning squad, which included Springbok legends Bakkies Botha and Bryan Habana.

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“I grew up in South Africa in an era of sporting isolation where local amateur club rugby matches were televised and led the back pages because there was little else,” he writes.

“It is why I have such an appreciation for South Africa’s presence in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup.

“[Rugby] is all year round and we finish and start the year with what I consider the best and most powerful and challenging global club knockout rugby competition.

“Appreciate being able to watch club rugby’s best in the world because there was a time when all we had was the best in South Africa. It is simply the best rugby viewing.”

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