The members voted in favour of the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers going to play their rugby in the northern hemisphere. This result in the Cheetahs having to take a backseat, albeit they initiated the move for themselves and the Southern Kings heading to Europe.

The Cheetahs did manage to retain their franchises status, and it is also suggested that they will be competing in a Super Series along with Australian and New Zealand teams.

Managing Director of the Free State Cheetahs, Harold Verster, said that they will discuss the way forward on Friday, and going the legal route is still an option for them.

“The Free State Cheetahs board will on Friday decide on the way forward. The options are to abide by the outcome of Tuesday’s SARU meeting or to go the legal route.

“We also need to meet with our sponsors to determine their interest in the proposed Super Series and whether we can expect the same level of support that we enjoyed over the past few years.

“I wish to thank the whole of the Free State province for their support over the past couple of months.

“I don’t think any other franchise in the country will be able to mobilise a motorcade of the magnitude we saw in Bloemfontein on Monday.

“What makes it even more special, was that it originated spontaneously from the ranks of our supporters and former Free State players.

“I have no doubt that it contributed to a large degree to the decision to retain the Cheetahs’ franchises status.”

Should the Cheetahs go the legal route, advocate Wim Trengrove is said to represent the Bloemfontein-based team.

In 2017, the Cheetahs and the Kings, were booted out of the Super Rugby with the competition being reduced from 18 to 15 teams.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport