Sharks owner Marco Masotti has warned that South African clubs cannot afford to walk away from the Investec Champions Cup.
On Saturday, SA Rugby confirmed it will host a workshop in July involving union presidents, CEOs and coaches to discuss player welfare and the structure of the domestic and international season.
One option reportedly under consideration is the withdrawal of South African teams from the Champions Cup.
MORE: SA to exit Champions Cup?
While acknowledging the concern over player welfare, Masotti said owners like himself would withdraw their financial support if clubs weren’t involved in top-tier tournaments.
“It is important for rugby that we invest in the club game and have the South African franchises play in the most high-profile and lucrative competitions,” Masotti told KickOff Rugby.
“The major South African franchises operate at a loss, and someone like me needs to cover them.
MORE: SA teams want to stay in Champions Cup
“The model of Saru making decisions for private businesses and effectively pushing the costs of financing the game in South Africa onto the major unions is not sustainable.
“Let me be clear, I will no longer fund the losses if we pull out of the Champions Cup.”
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The Sharks will play in the second-tier EPCR Challenge Cup next season having failed to qualify for the Champions Cup.
Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images
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