Let’s be realistic about SA’s Euro cup prospects

MARK KEOHANE stresses ongoing education of fans regarding the complexities faced by South African teams competing in the Vodacom URC and EPCR simultaneously. 

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that expectations must be tempered, as it could take several years for a local franchise to win the Investec Champions Cup, the pinnacle of international club rugby. 

Citing Leinster boss Leo Cullen, Keohane highlights that even Europe’s top sides took years to build the depth required for consistent success in both competitions.

Keohane acknowledges South Africa’s impressive entry into the URC but notes that logistical challenges, such as extended travel times, complicate their European campaigns. 

He points out that while the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks and Stormers can field competitive starting lineups, they currently lack the depth to sustain a high level across both tournaments.

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Keohane also calls for perspective, emphasising that a poor Champions Cup run does not imply a disappointing season, and asserts that SA teams remain strong contenders in the URC.

“There must be context to South Africa’s participation in the Champions Cup and there must be realism,” he writes. “It will take three to five years for a South African team to win the title, which is no sleight on the quality of South Africa’s leading professional club quartet who play in the United Rugby Championship.

“South Africa’s Champions Cup participating trio are primarily made up of South African players and while each team, when all players are available, can field a competitive first-choice match 23…

“Right now they don’t have the kind of quality outside of that 23 to win away matches in the UK, Ireland, France and Italy while balancing the demands of the URC, which is their bread and butter tournament.

“There must be continued education for the South African public as to the difficulties of playing in two competitions at the same time, but there also must be an acknowledgement that a poor Champions Cup campaign does not necessarily signal a poor season.”

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images

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