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The South African side are desperate to join a new competition and are closely monitoring events in Wales
A South African side linked to Ospreys and prospective Cardiff owners Y11 Sports & Media are keen to replace any axed Welsh team in the URC, it has emerged. Toyota Cheetahs say they “don’t want to let an opportunity slip away” as they monitor developments in Wales.
The long-term future of the Ospreys has been plunged into serious doubt this week following confirmation Y11 are in talks to buy rivals Cardiff from the Welsh Rugby Union. No assurances have been given on the Ospreys’ future beyond next summer, with local politicians claiming the WRU has indicated to them there is “no viable future for the Ospreys” in its plans for just three teams.
The WRU are currently contractually obliged to enter four sides into the URC, until a replacement can be found. Moves to draft in an American team have been shut down, while talks have been held over a London-based side entering the competition. That option faces significant hurdles with the RFU said to be ready to block it.
Georgian outfit Black Lion have been mooted as another potential option, with the Cheetahs now publicly stating they would love to join after previously competing in the Pro14.
The Cheetahs are one of three rugby teams Y11, a private equity investment house, has interests in, according to its own website, alongside the Ospreys and Hurricanes.
In November 2023, the Cheetahs and Ospreys agreed a player development partnership that saw a number of players loaned between the two teams, including current Ospreys star Daniel Kasende. It came amid reports Y11 were interested in purchasing a stake in the club at the time.
The Cheetahs’ official website says 100% of shares in the club are currently owned by the Free State Rugby Union.
Cheetahs CEO Rory Duncan told News24: “We don’t want to let an opportunity slip away. We are well aware of the situation in Wales and everything that’s going on. It would be a privilege to be in the URC competition.”
“We are always looking for opportunities, trying to explore what is available to us. That is an ongoing process, and hopefully we will be able to get into a competition at some point in the not too distant future.”
The Cheetahs played in the Pro14 for three seasons but were not bombed out by the South African Rugby Union when it became the URC in 2021, with the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers chosen as the teams.
The Cheetahs currently compete in the SA Cup, Currie Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup after receiving an invite since the 2022/23 season. They lost every match in this year’s group stages.
