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Players from five Major League Rugby teams are set to take part in Super Rugby Unlocked, South Africa’s version of the domestic-only competitions recently run by New Zealand and Australia. The tournament will feature seven teams, with the Cheetahs, Pumas, and Griquas to join the ‘big four’. An 8th team – the Southern Kings – was forced to withdraw due to severe financial difficulties.
The opening weekend will see two Rugby ATL starters in action. Inside center Ryan Nell captains the Pumas against the Cheetahs, while Stefan Willemse runs out on the blindside flank for Griquas against the Bulls. Griquas also list ATL lock Johan Momsen on their roster, as well as Seattle second row FP Pelser, NOLA scrumhalf Damian Stevens, and San Diego winger Bjorn Basson.
Three New England Free Jacks signings are named on three different teams. Tighthead prop Erich de Jager will be on the bench for the Cheetahs this weekend. The Lions have hooker Pieter Jansen, and the Sharks list Tera Mtembu in their back row stocks. Also notable is US Eagles scrumhalf Ruben de Haas, who hopes to make his Super Rugby debut with the Cheetahs.
Super Rugby Unlocked will run as a round-robin competition over seven weeks. A champion will then be crowned but unusually the points then carry over into South Africa’s traditional provincial competition – the Currie Cup. Another round-robin phase will be completed followed by a playoff series with the Final set for January 23.
