South African big guns will benefit PRO14, Leo Cullen says

The South African Rugby Union on Tuesday voted to explore entering the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers into an expanded PRO Rugby competition.

19 September 2020; Leinster head coach Leo Cullen ahead of the Heineken Champions Cup Quarter-Final match between Leinster and Saracens at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Leo Cullen believes the proposed addition of South Africa’s “big four” to the Guinness PRO14 will raise standards but refutes the suggestion Leinster’s Champions Cup exit to Saracens last month was because the existing league provides poor preparation for European competition.

The South African Rugby Union on Tuesday voted at a Special General Meeting to explore entering its four existing Super Rugby franchises - the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers - into an expanded PRO Rugby competition.