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IRFU considering new A team competition with South African sides https://the42.ie/5814690
I'm just glad they are looking at options about 28 years too late.I'd love it to be part of this Intercontintal Shield project, even though there is zero reference to that in the article.
Intercontinental Shield aka Mzansi Challenge
In one of the years stranger developments we had the Cheetahs invite a non-existent side from Barcelona, the Diables along with the Romanian Champions Baia Mare to play a couple of one off games. http://www.fscheetahs.co.za/news/romans-and-countrymen-here-comes-a-rugby-feast-20211022 But this...www.therugbyforum.com
Could be the thirds that play in the prem then. Would still be near certs to make the playoffs at least.Just put our A sides in the Prem, I don't see why we'd need a new competition? Only issue I could see is lads preferring to play AIL.
I would assume the Cheetahs would go full tilt for this one actually. At least it'd be between this and the CC. I can't see them taking the other tournaments as seriously unless I undervalue the European challenge- or they overvalue it of course. It'd depend on whether this tournament gains traction or is seen as a one-off though I suppose. All speculation of course from my side LOL. Just a SA fan POV.Rumours the RESC was considered not high enough level for this competition, which is probably a fair reflection of the first season, but is perhaps a little short sighted. The Barcelona Diables are still active on Twitter so I believe this will be completely distinct to the Intercontinental Shield, even though that would mean the Cheetaha playing in 4 tournaments! (although would it also be their A side? Doesn't sound like it given the noises from Italy).
Are Ireland sending an a team or a combined provinces a team. I think a the latter would be worth it but the former would have players who'd be better off in URC.