The Cheetahs could be set for a sensational return to top-level international rugby.
According to Rapport, discussions are underway that could open the door for the Free State side to join the Vodacom URC, with clarity potentially arriving as early as Friday.
“Positive noises are being made,” a source said.
Another senior rugby administrator confirmed to Rapport that a possible return is “part of the discussion” but that “there’s still a long way to go”.
The potential breakthrough is believed to be linked to Wales’ desire to reduce its number of URC teams from four to three. That could create a vacancy and hand the Cheetahs a lifeline.
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For a union battered by years of decline and financial strain, the prospect would mark a dramatic turnaround.
The Cheetahs have been fighting for survival since being axed from Super Rugby in 2017.
Although they later found refuge in the Pro14, they were again cast aside when the competition evolved into the URC.
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Since then, the Bloemfontein-based outfit has largely operated on the fringes of elite rugby, limited to the Currie Cup, SA Cup, Toyota Challenge and EPCR Challenge Cup.
Earlier this year, a consortium of more than 10 Free State businessmen pulled the Cheetahs back from the brink of financial collapse.
However, the Free State Rugby Union still began a retrenchment process in an effort to stabilise its finances.
Photo: Nick Elliott/INPHO
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