For the first time in the professional era, South Africa's top rugby franchises will not participate in the southern hemisphere's Super Rugby competition.
Instead, the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers will all make their debuts in the inaugural United Rugby Championship (URC). The revamped competition, formerly known as the PRO12 and more recently, the PRO14, will, by the look of things, test South African teams in ways they've never been tested before, but, could turn out to be more beneficial for SA Rugby.
ESPN spoke to stakeholders about the new competition which will see SA's four teams play against teams from Ireland, Italy, Wales and Scotland.
'Watershed moment in South African rugby history'
"Our members are excited about the prospect of closer alignment with the United Rugby Championship and seeking a northern hemisphere future for our national teams as well," CEO fo SA Rugby Jurie Roux told ESPN.
"South African rugby has for many years imagined a future aligned with northern hemisphere rugby. Our teams will be pitting themselves against the leading clubs from four nations, steeped in rugby tradition and folklore.
"They'll do it without having to cross time zones or acclimatise while 100 percent of matches will kick off in South African prime time. This is a watershed moment in South African rugby history, opening new doors and heralding a new and exciting era for our sport."
Bulls' ambition
The Bulls have been the strongest team in the country over the last two domestic seasons and have won every trophy on offer in South Africa. They are up against Leinster first. The Irish giants probably rank as favourites to win the tournament. The fact that almost 40,000 people will be allowed inside the Aviva Stadium -- fortress of the traditional European powerhouse -- will make it even tougher for Jake White's men.
After winning the Rainbow Cup SA earlier in the year, the Bulls came unstuck against Benetton in Treviso in what would have served as a timely eye opener. This notwithstanding, the Bulls have made it clear they do not want to be seen as also-rans.
"To be part of a premier competition like the United Rugby Championship is an honour in itself," Bulls CEO Edgar Rathbone told ESPN.
"All participating teams are ambitious and equally competitive, with the end goal of being crowned champions. It is, therefore, not different for us at the Bulls. We would not be honest if we were to say we are not in it to win it. Our ambition even goes further as we have our eyes set on participation in the Heineken Cup which would be quite exciting for the Bulls and South Africa as a whole"
It is no secret that the Bulls' domestic dominance has come as result of stability in the boardroom and the financial backing of highly-respected businessmen, Patrice Motsepe and Johann Rupert.
Kempson questions depth
White, in his dual roles of director of rugby and head coach, has been able to lure big name players to Loftus Versveld and now has depth in most positions, which, according to Robbi Kempson, a former Springboks prop -- who had playing stints at Newport in Wales and Irish side, Ulster -- will be a key requirement in the URC.
Kempson also coached the Southern Kings in the PRO14 and is worried about the depth and quality of some of the SA teams.
"The Bulls will probably be our best team again. They have good depth and that's something you need in these competitions. If you look at the depth that a team like Leinster has -- they probably have a squad of 55 top players which will be vitally important. They do monitor their player wellness quite well.
For our other South African teams, I see a very grim and bleak picture, unfortunately. Their depth is just not good enough and, in some cases, their starting lineup is not good enough. I don't see an easy opening four weeks for any of our sides but the Bulls will have the better of the going," Kempson said.
Money talks
Ronnie Cooke, a South African player agent and former centre for the Kings, Cheetahs and French club, Brive, feels the URC could see more top SA players being lured to the northern hemisphere by the pound and euro.
"I think this is going to be the best rugby competition in the world. You just have to look at the amount of top international players playing in the competition to realise it's going to be high end rugby. It will, however, have an impact on our industry and specifically the South African market," Cooke said.
"I do believe there's a bit of a risk of us losing our top end players. We all know the European teams all have bigger budgets than ours and now all of a sudden they will have the luxury of seeing all our top players week in and week out. But I believe the move up north was the right decision. It now gives us the opportunity to share in the commercial and television rights which will lead to more revenue for South African teams."
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Rathbone too, sees the commercial opportunities in this new venture.
"This is an opportunity to take our brands to a new market, and in the process reach a wider audience. The URC is a premier rugby league, and by mere association, our commercial net can be cast to a wider global audience," Rathbone added.
Roux suggests the financial benefits from the URC outweighs the cons.
"Our entry into the competition is an investment in the long-term financial success of rugby in South Africa. It does come at a cost, but we have gone in with our eyes wide open and considering the uncertainty in southern hemisphere structures -- even pre-COVID -- it gives our game long term security and broadening horizons," Roux concluded.