Donal Lenihan: Big Springbok franchises a godsend to the ailing PRO14

With its capacity to rest the top international players at crucial times during the season, the PRO14 has served Irish rugby well. However, the tournament stands at a crossroads

Leinster’s Adam Byrne scores a try against Toyota Cheetahs last year. The South African franchise are not taking part in this year's PRO14. Picture: INPHO/Tommy Dickson

This weekend heralds the start of a new season in Ireland, Scotland, and Wales while for some, in England and France, the old one trundles on.

We may know the four teams who will contest the 2019/20 Heineken Champions and Challenge Cup finals but in England, there’s still a road to travel to determine who plays in the final of the Gallagher Premiership.