2021 Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup

[OomStruisbaai]

The PRO14 Rainbow Cup will feature a total of six rounds (eight games per round) and will feature all teams ranked in a single log. The top two teams will then play each other in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup Final on 19 June.

Fixtures:

R1 - Weekend of April 24, 2021
Ulster v Connacht
Leinster v Munster
Benetton v Glasgow Warriors
Edinburgh v Zebre Rugby Club
Ospreys v Cardiff Blues
Dragons v Scarlets
Vodacom Bulls v Emirates Lions
DHL Stormers v Cell C Sharks

R2 - Weekend of May 1, 2021
DHL Stormers v Vodacom Bulls
Cell C Sharks v Emirates Lions

R2 - Weekend of May 8, 2021
Connacht v Leinster
Munster v Ulster
Zebre v Benetton
Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh
Cardiff Blues v Dragons
Scarlets v Ospreys

R3 - Weekend of May 8, 2021
Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks
Emirates Lions v DHL Stormers

R3 - Weekend of May 15, 2021
Munster v Connacht
Leinster v Ulster
Benetton v Zebre
Edinburgh v Glasgow Warriors
Scarlets v Cardiff Blues
Dragons v Ospreys

PRO14 Rugby is currently consulting with our broadcast partners to select kick-off times and will confirm the scheduling as soon as possible.

Rounds 4 to 6 will see the four South African ‘Super’ franchises play their away games in Europe and those fixtures will be confirmed once all appropriate travel approvals have been confirmed by the relevant authorities and governments.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers make or break in first 3 rounds. Tjarks & Brutes in Slaapstad, Lions in Bojaansburg.

[handyman]

Pic of the trophy?

[assfly]

Pic of the trophy?

[Jock42]

I hope Cockerill uses these games to develop younger lads. Essentially half a dozen pre season games

[dkm57]

Pic of the trophy?

[Blake]

Pic of the trophy?

Well played

Such a fucking stupid name for a tournament. I just don't get how marketing ponytails get away with just phoning it in like that and getting a paid for it.
I'd honestly have preferred a brand sponsor name above that nonsense name.

If you are going to go all silly, you might as well make it something exciting.
Maybe give each season an edgy subtitle:
Rainbow Cup Season 1: Southern Invasion

[OomStruisbaai]

Vaktap Cup. Wont worry bring on the real rugby!

[Uncle fester]

Not too sure how this will all play out.

[Sandstorm]

Not too sure how this will all play out.

In empty stadiums most likely.

[Chilli]

Without the Mighty Cheetahs taking part in this competition, I am at a loss as to which team I should support.

[Uncle fester]

Without the Mighty Cheetahs taking part in this competition, I am at a loss as to which team I should support.

Go with Munster. We've even got a saffer contingent to make you feel at home.

[OomStruisbaai]

Without the Mighty Cheetahs taking part in this competition, I am at a loss as to which team I should support.

Go with Munster. We've even got a saffer contingent to make you feel at home.

I am Munster fan. Even got a red Munster baray from a friend.

Hope they knock their rival over tonite.

[OomStruisbaai]

What a kak final it was.

[fishfoodie]

What a kak final it was.

Yeah; conditions, looking ahead to knockout European competions, & being right after the 6N, meant it was never going to be a classic.

[Sandstorm]

Without the Mighty Cheetahs taking part in this competition, I am at a loss as to which team I should support.

Flip flop United?

[Chilli]

Without the Mighty Cheetahs taking part in this competition, I am at a loss as to which team I should support.

Flip flop United?

Eh?

[assfly]

Ja that was not pretty rugby. Turned off at half time.

Leinster are going to be difficult to beat, especially at home. But can't wait to see them coming out to SA

[OomStruisbaai]

SA Rugbymag

South Africa’s four franchises participating in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup are all set to be based in a bio bubble in Bristol, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Last week it was confirmed that the Lions, Sharks, Stormers and Vodacom Bulls would make their first foray into northern-hemisphere competition when the newly created tournament kicks off on the weekend of 24 April.

Three weekends of derby action will be followed by cross-hemisphere fixtures where the existing PRO14 teams will face SA’s ‘Super’ teams for the very first time.

ALSO READ: Opening Rainbow Cup fixtures confirmed


Those fixtures will be announced once all appropriate travel approvals have been confirmed by the relevant authorities and governments, but it is understood that all four of the SA franchises will stay in England’s popular southwest city of Bristol.

Although South African teams are accustomed to stringent Covid-19-related safety regulations and testing after an extensive domestic season recently concluded with the Preparation Series, this will be the first time they experience a true bio-bubble set-up.

England has a number of strict restrictions related to incoming tourists, and the fact the Rainbow Cup has been able to receive the green light is a credit to the work that has gone on behind the scenes.

It will be interesting to have the four leading South African teams based in one central location, but while they will have been opponents over the first three rounds of competition, they will effectively become allies once in England.

ALSO READ: Jean de Villiers column – Local coaches facing new challenges

Ultimately, the Rainbow Cup is aimed at preparing South African teams for the recently confirmed British & Irish Lions series in South Africa, and they will come up against a number of players from the Welsh, Irish and Scottish clubs.

It’s believed that members of the Springbok management may also travel with the South African teams, and it’s likely that a lot of ‘national’ preparation will intensify behind the scenes for the Lions series while the Rainbow Cup continues.

‘It will be a step up from domestic competition and remind our players of the different type of rugby they can expect when the Lions are here,’ South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus highlighted when the Rainbow Cup concept was first announced.

‘Our players will be facing many of the players that will be in Warren Gatland’s squad and it will be very interesting to see how our players adapt to the challenge.’

There will be great anticipation around some of the battles that lie in store, with Currie Cup champions the Bulls, for example, set to face off against Irish powerhouse Leinster, who recently won a fourth straight PRO14 title.

In total, the PRO14 Rainbow Cup will feature a total of six rounds (eight games per round) and all teams will be ranked on a single log.

The top two teams will then play each other in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup Final on 19 June.

[Sandstorm]

SA Rugbymag

South Africa’s four franchises participating in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup are all set to be based in a bio bubble in Bristol, writes CRAIG LEWIS.

Last week it was confirmed that the Lions, Sharks, Stormers and Vodacom Bulls would make their first foray into northern-hemisphere competition when the newly created tournament kicks off on the weekend of 24 April.

Three weekends of derby action will be followed by cross-hemisphere fixtures where the existing PRO14 teams will face SA’s ‘Super’ teams for the very first time.

ALSO READ: Opening Rainbow Cup fixtures confirmed


Those fixtures will be announced once all appropriate travel approvals have been confirmed by the relevant authorities and governments, but it is understood that all four of the SA franchises will stay in England’s popular southwest city of Bristol.

Although South African teams are accustomed to stringent Covid-19-related safety regulations and testing after an extensive domestic season recently concluded with the Preparation Series, this will be the first time they experience a true bio-bubble set-up.

England has a number of strict restrictions related to incoming tourists, and the fact the Rainbow Cup has been able to receive the green light is a credit to the work that has gone on behind the scenes.

It will be interesting to have the four leading South African teams based in one central location, but while they will have been opponents over the first three rounds of competition, they will effectively become allies once in England.

ALSO READ: Jean de Villiers column – Local coaches facing new challenges

Ultimately, the Rainbow Cup is aimed at preparing South African teams for the recently confirmed British & Irish Lions series in South Africa, and they will come up against a number of players from the Welsh, Irish and Scottish clubs.

It’s believed that members of the Springbok management may also travel with the South African teams, and it’s likely that a lot of ‘national’ preparation will intensify behind the scenes for the Lions series while the Rainbow Cup continues.

‘It will be a step up from domestic competition and remind our players of the different type of rugby they can expect when the Lions are here,’ South Africa’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus highlighted when the Rainbow Cup concept was first announced.

‘Our players will be facing many of the players that will be in Warren Gatland’s squad and it will be very interesting to see how our players adapt to the challenge.’

There will be great anticipation around some of the battles that lie in store, with Currie Cup champions the Bulls, for example, set to face off against Irish powerhouse Leinster, who recently won a fourth straight PRO14 title.

In total, the PRO14 Rainbow Cup will feature a total of six rounds (eight games per round) and all teams will be ranked on a single log.

The top two teams will then play each other in the PRO14 Rainbow Cup Final on 19 June.

Ah Bristol, town with the most anti-lockdown protests and worst mask use in England. Quality SARU, quality.

[fishfoodie]

Ah Bristol, town with the most anti-lockdown protests and worst mask use in England. Quality SARU, quality.

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.......

We could have put you up in Galway; & then you'd be complaining about trench foot; frostbite, & chronic crotch fungus.

[OomStruisbaai]

Ah Bristol, town with the most anti-lockdown protests and worst mask use in England. Quality SARU, quality.

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.......

We could have put you up in Galway; & then you'd be complaining about trench foot; frostbite, & chronic crotch fungus.

Cape Town Soutpiel complaining about England. That's surprising.

[assfly]

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.......

We could have put you up in Galway; & then you'd be complaining about trench foot; frostbite, & chronic crotch fungus.

[Slick]

Bitch, Bitch, Bitch.......

We could have put you up in Galway; & then you'd be complaining about trench foot; frostbite, & chronic crotch fungus.

[Sandstorm]

[OomStruisbaai]

Sunday Times

According to reports in the UK Sunday Times, South Africa’s four PRO14 franchises could qualify for the Heineken Champions Cup should they finish high enough on the log of the upcoming Rainbow Cup competition.

READ: Sports department to consider proposal for fan attendance

This comes after a new 10-year deal was agreed by the national unions of all six countries participating in the Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.

The new agreement reportedly paves the way for SA inclusion in Europe’s top-flight domestic competitions.


If confirmed, it puts an end to South Africa’s period of doubt after having been ejected from Super Rugby. It could also add to speculation that the Springboks may align themselves more closely to Europe in the future.

The news of SA sides’ potential inclusion next year has been met with anger in Wales, however. Under normal circumstances, the top-four teams from each conference of the PRO14 would qualify for the Champions Cup.

This would mean that Welsh team the Cardiff Blues, who finished fourth in their conference this season, would qualify for Europe. However, should plans go ahead for sides to qualify through the Rainbow Cup instead of the recently concluded PRO14, this position could be under threat.

Cardiff CEO Richard Holland has emphatically stated they are unwilling to accommodate SA’s franchises at the expense of their own.

‘The South African sides did not participate in the PRO14. We are not going to give up a spot to them. We have spoken to the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union] and they are on our side.

‘No one can dictate to the PRO14 that they include South African teams in the the sides they put forward to the Champions Cup. And the PRO14 is owned by the four nations who are the shareholders – Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

‘Having South African sides qualifying via the Rainbow Cup would not be agreeable to Wales and they are a shareholder. You cannot move the goalposts like that.

‘We will not be relinquishing a place to the benefit of the South Africans. We would fight any such moves

[fishfoodie]

The welsh clubs are the welfare queens of European Rugby; demand everything & contribute nothing.

[OomStruisbaai]

Stormers preparation for Rainbow Cup

[Chilli]

Stormers preparation for Rainbow Cup

Even during practice sessions Wazza doesn't pass.

[OomStruisbaai]

Wazza obsessed Chilli & Sards. You need new material.

[Chilli]

Wazza obsessed Chilli & Sards. You need new material.

True. We need the rugby to start so that we can be dazzled by the players performing.

[Sandstorm]

Sunday Times

According to reports in the UK Sunday Times, South Africa’s four PRO14 franchises could qualify for the Heineken Champions Cup should they finish high enough on the log of the upcoming Rainbow Cup competition.

READ: Sports department to consider proposal for fan attendance

This comes after a new 10-year deal was agreed by the national unions of all six countries participating in the Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup competitions.

The new agreement reportedly paves the way for SA inclusion in Europe’s top-flight domestic competitions.


If confirmed, it puts an end to South Africa’s period of doubt after having been ejected from Super Rugby. It could also add to speculation that the Springboks may align themselves more closely to Europe in the future.

The news of SA sides’ potential inclusion next year has been met with anger in Wales, however. Under normal circumstances, the top-four teams from each conference of the PRO14 would qualify for the Champions Cup.

This would mean that Welsh team the Cardiff Blues, who finished fourth in their conference this season, would qualify for Europe. However, should plans go ahead for sides to qualify through the Rainbow Cup instead of the recently concluded PRO14, this position could be under threat.

Cardiff CEO Richard Holland has emphatically stated they are unwilling to accommodate SA’s franchises at the expense of their own.

‘The South African sides did not participate in the PRO14. We are not going to give up a spot to them. We have spoken to the WRU [Welsh Rugby Union] and they are on our side.

‘No one can dictate to the PRO14 that they include South African teams in the the sides they put forward to the Champions Cup. And the PRO14 is owned by the four nations who are the shareholders – Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Italy.

‘Having South African sides qualifying via the Rainbow Cup would not be agreeable to Wales and they are a shareholder. You cannot move the goalposts like that.

‘We will not be relinquishing a place to the benefit of the South Africans. We would fight any such moves

Really stupid to try muscle in on existing team’s agreements in our first year in Europe. Makes much more sense to ease into it.

Then next year we can rule the world!!! Waaaha-ha-ha!

[Yr Alban]

I don’t have a particular issue with SA teams entering European competitions if they are playing in the Pro14/16, but it’s a bit unfair to expect current Pro14 clubs to give up spots they would have expected to get for next season. Glasgow are in the same position as Cardiff - both teams should get to play in the big cup next season. Don’t move the goalposts during the game.

[PornDog]

It's a nonsensical suggestion. I assume the Times is just quoting some no nothing over enthusiastic blazer for the sake of a click bait article.

Next year with a full Pro tournament under their belts will be another thing all together, and fair enough I say

[fishfoodie]

It's a nonsensical suggestion. I assume the Times is just quoting some no nothing over enthusiastic blazer for the sake of a click bait article.

Next year with a full Pro tournament under their belts will be another thing all together, and fair enough I say

Totally agree. There's no way in hell that the SA teams can expect to be gifted spots. If they earn them, & that's fair enough, but people started this season with a clear understanding of the rules, & they can't get re-written half way thru, without consenting to any changes

[sorCrer]

Is off...

[Chilli]

Is off...

So it seems.

[TheNatalShark]

Sad, if somewhat predictable, end if so.

Would like SARU to use opportunity to discuss bringing forward the Currie Cup to end with possibility of Rugby Championship thereafter and short off-season before 21/22 Pro16.

Would require going cap in hand to NZ/ARU to lobby their governments, not sure how successful that would be. I imagine failure to agree with the European govs was (if the case) the point of failure for rainbow cup.

[assfly]

Looks like a base in Ireland is the only option, which doesn't seem unrealistic. Also let's see the official announcement, after all those rumours of the Lions tour happening in the UK.

Cancelling it will be an absolute disaster. I don't think the South African rugby public can take another competition of local team.

[assfly]

Looks like a base in Ireland is the only option, which doesn't seem unrealistic. Also let's see the official announcement, after all those rumours of the Lions tour happening in the UK.

Cancelling it will be an absolute disaster. I don't think the South African rugby public can take another competition of only local teams.