The South African Rugby Union announced earlier this month that the Cheetahs and Southern Kings would be axed from Super Rugby, in accordance with the format changes to the competition announced by SANZAAR which will see Super Rugby reduced from 18 to 15 teams. Welsh regions are poised to pocket up to £500,000 each with the inclusion of the two South African sides to an expanded Guinness Pro12 next season. In a short statement, Celtic Rugby confirmed that a final decision will be made as soon as is ‘practical’

The Cheetahs and the Southern Kings are expected to joining the Pro12 to make it a Pro14, with two divisions or conferences with seven teams in each, is the expected format, with a potential trip to South Africa happening only once a season for each of the existing Pro12 sides.
In the wake of reports by various media outlets, including the BBC, that the Pro12 competition would expand beyond its Celtic–Italian base to include two South African teams, league organiser Celtic Rugby Limited confirms that "advanced & positive discussions" are ongoing with the South African Rugby Union to add the Cheetahs and Southern Kings to the competition from the coming season.