Expanded PRO16 could help Irish player 'physicality'

Munster's Thomas Ahern attempts to block down Alessandro Fusco of Zebre during last night's PRO14 game at Thomond Park. Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

A PRO16 league boosted by South Africa’s big-hitting Super Rugby teams can help Irish players bridge the physicality gap to Test powerhouses like England and the Springboks, David Nucifora believes.

IRFU performance director Nucifora confirmed talks were ongoing between the current PRO14 competition, of which the Irish governing body is a stakeholder, and the South African Rugby Union regarding the admittance of their four Super Rugby franchises into an expanded 16-team competition.