The Pro12 could soon have a team from South Africa.
According to BBC Scotland, South African side Cheetahs have been formally invited to join the Pro12. The league currently comprises of teams from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
At the moment, Cheetahs play in Super Rugby but speculation is strong that they could be one of three sides cut from the competition which it downsizes next year.
Super Rugby currently features 18 teams but that will be cut to 15 for next season. Speculation is strong that Cheetahs, who are based in Bloemfontein, along with Southern Kings will be the two South African sides to lose their Super Rugby status. An Australian team, either Melbourne Rebels or Western Force, will be the other side to lose out.
It is not the first time Pro12 expansion outside of Europe has been mooted. Earlier this year, it was reported that the league had explored the option of expansion into North America with one team in the US and another in Canada.
Photo by Diarmuid Greene/Sportsfile
