The SA Cup, introduced as a developmental competition, currently excludes several key teams—such as the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, and Lions.
For South African rugby to thrive, all provincial teams must be included in the SA Cup. Doing so would strengthen player depth, provide crucial experience, and ensure a more sustainable future for the sport in the country.
1. Player Development and Depth
One of the biggest challenges in South African rugby is the lack of game time for emerging players outside the United Rugby Championship franchises. The SA Cup should serve as a stepping stone for young talent, but with only a handful of teams participating, opportunities are limited.
- Exposure for Emerging Players: Including the top teams from the URC would give more younger players a platform to prove themselves and eventually break our from the SA Cup to Currie Cup and URC similar to the old Vodacom Cup where the Stormers, Bulls, Sharks, and Lions used to participate in.
- Competition for Selection: With more teams, coaches would have a larger pool of players to choose from, raising the overall standard.
- Preventing Talent Drain: Many players leave South Africa due to limited opportunities. A stronger SA Cup could help retain them.
2. Competitive Balance and Preparation for Higher Levels
The Currie Cup has lost some of its prestige due to player rotation and a lack of star power. The SA Cup can fill this gap, but only if all teams are involved.
3. Financial and Logistical Benefits
While costs are a concern, a well-structured SA Cup with all teams could attract more sponsors and broadcast interest.
- More Matches = More Revenue: A full round-robin with all provinces would create more content for SuperSport and potential sponsors.
- Grassroots Engagement: Smaller unions could attract local fans, strengthening rugby’s footprint nationwide.
4. Learning from Other Nations
New Zealand’s NPC include all their provincial teams, ensuring depth and competitiveness. South Africa should follow this model.
- NPC Success: New Zealand’s domestic structure feeds seamlessly into Super Rugby, keeping their player pool strong.
- Avoiding the Mistakes of Australia: Australia’s shrinking domestic competitions have weakened their depth—South Africa must not repeat this.
Conclusion: A Stronger SA Cup for a Stronger South African Rugby
The SA Cup has potential, but it needs all South African teams to truly develop players and maintain rugby’s strength in the country. SARU must act now to:
Include all provinces to maximize player opportunities.
Create a proper second-tier competition beneath the Currie Cup.
Boost commercial value through more games and broader appeal.
Currie Cup qualification: The SA Cup is meant for qualification, allow the URC teams to play but they should not be involved in qualification to the Currie Cup but they should have a fair shot at the SA Cup title too.
By expanding the SA Cup long-term, South Africa can ensure a deeper talent pool, better-prepared players, and a more sustainable future for rugby. The time to act is now.