After South Africa refused to travel to Europe to participate in the game, the Pro14 Rainbow Cup will divide into two competitions.

The new setting aims to feature the 12 existing Pro14 clubs as well as Bulls, Sharks, Stormers, and Lions. Its purpose is to serve as a pioneer in the permanent participation of both South Africa in 2021-22.

The tournament will take place in two parts, one in Europe and the other in South Africa because of a pandemic. This means that South African competitors will face the British and Irish Lions in the summer, and they will not compete cross-border in advance. Last month Leinster was awarded Pro14 champion in a shortened 2020-21 campaign after a decision was made in 2020 December to shorten the season to create the new Rainbow Cup.

The new competition Pro14 Rainbow Cup was scheduled to be held on 23rd April, and will be ending with the final on 19 June 2021.

The South African teams, Lions, Stormers, Bulls, and Sharks should stay in a bubble for the second half of the competition and travel to Europe for games. This was prevented after Pro14 bosses disclosed the lack of formal permits allowing South African teams to enter the UK and Republic of Ireland amid Covid-19 concerns. They have informed that they cannot travel because South Africa is still on the UK red list.

The Rainbow Cup starting three rounds will continue as scheduled for teams from Scotland, Italy, Wales, and Ireland.

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