The Australian rugby teams would welcome the Toyota Cheetahs back into Super Rugby with open arms.

In 2023, when the Western Force toured South Africa, several players and coaches indicated that they were missing South African teams in the Super Rugby and they felt they were missing what these teams brought to the table.

In recent weeks there has been a strong indication that the Cheetahs are in the process of securing a spot back in a major international competition, with Super Rugby being the most likely tournament.

The Director of Rugby at the Cheetahs, Frans Steyn, hinted that it might be in 2026, however, he added that many conversations are still to be had.

The Force are back in Bloemfontein and on Wednesday night beat the Cheetahs 38-24 in Bloemfontein in the first game of the Toyota Cheetahs.

After the match, the Western Force’s captain, Reed Prinsep, who played for the Crusaders and Hurricanes, told OFM Sport that South African teams are missed and would love to see them back in the competition.

“I miss it big time,” said the player who has represented the Maori All Blacks on ten occasions. “My last tour to South Africa was in 2020, just before Covid hit, and I would say a number of tours before that … looking back at my career, it’s some of the highlights of your playing times.

“Any experience you get over here is awesome, and I would love to see a South African team back in Super Rugby.”

Meanwhile, on Sunday the Cheetahs will face the Griffons in the Toyota Challenge.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg/mvh