Nick Mallett believes South African rugby would be in a stronger position if Ireland’s example was followed and the number of professional regional teams was slashed from 14 to four.
Ireland are going into the Six Nations as the world’s number one ranked team, while at a club level, Leinster currently lead the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, having won all 13 of their fixtures this season.
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In his weekly column for Sport24, Mallett credited Ireland’s recent success to their four-province system, which he believes is something SA Rugby should implement.
“The hard truth is that, when it comes to our rugby, the people who generate money are the international players and the top provincial players in South Africa,” wrote Mallett.
“The top four franchises and the national side, essentially, are bleeding R12 million or R15 million per year to the other 10 unions to keep them alive and running.
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“Surely, in the South African context, it would be better to maintain amateur rugby at that level.
“You can still improve the club situation or whatever it might be, but then call it what it is: an amateur product.
“Then, if any decent club rugby player comes out of those regions, you target that individual and take him to one of your four top franchises and give him the opportunity to see whether he can become a professional rugby player. That is what is happening in Ireland.
“It would save our game so much money.”
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