The Blackout Bulletin

In a significant move, SA Rugby has decided to shift the Currie Cup Premier and First Divisions to a new window next year.

This decision, prompted by feedback from member unions, broadcast, and commercial partners, aims to prevent clashes with European competitions.

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CURRIE CUP GETS A MAJOR REVAMP

Unanimous approval for the season revamp was granted at the recent SA Rugby General Council meeting in Cape Town. Consequently, the Currie Cup competitions, featuring the same eight Premier Division teams and six First Division sides as this year, are scheduled to take place from July to the end of September in 2024.

Starting from 2025, a revised qualification process will offer increased opportunities for all member unions to participate in South Africa’s premier competition. The Premier and First Divisions will be preceded by a new local competition called the “SA Cup” (working title), excluding the four Vodacom United Rugby Championship franchises.

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SA RUGBY DOES A COMPLETE OVERHAUL

The SA Cup, set to kick off the senior local calendar from March to June, will involve 10 provincial sides in a single-round competition. This will be followed by semi-finals and a final to determine the winner, allowing players a break before the commencement of the Currie Cup.

In 2025, the top four teams from the SA Cup competition will join the four URC franchises in the Currie Cup Premier Division. The remaining six teams will contest the First Division, both culminating in semi-finals and a final.

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In a positive development for local rugby, SuperSport has committed to broadcasting all matches through their linear offering on DStv or various streaming platforms.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, emphasized the necessity of adapting the Currie Cup to the changing rugby calendar, with the new approach providing the tournament with its dedicated window. The changes aim to facilitate better planning for provincial unions, enhance the broadcasting experience, and attract sponsors, ultimately ensuring the Currie Cup’s competitiveness and significance in local rugby. Additional decisions adopted include the re-introduction of single-round U19 competitions and double-round U21 competitions, discontinuing the U20 competition, and maintaining the structure of women’s provincial competitions similar to the 2023 season.

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