South African rugby 'thrown under the bus' by NZ decision but European arrangement 'ideal'

Mark Alexander says SA union are 'exploring other avenues' after success of clubs in Northern Hemisphere. 

NORTHERN EXPOSURE: The DHL Stormers celebrate as the United Rugby Championship champions.

South Africa Rugby president Mark Alexander has accused New Zealand rugby chiefs of throwing his country “under the bus” by quitting Super Rugby two years ago but he is more than happy with the Rainbow Nation’s welcome into European arms.

With the Stormers winning the inaugural United Rugby Championship in an all-South African final against the Bulls last June, the SARU’s decision to turn its back on the Southern Hemisphere and turn north received vindication at the first opportunity. Now there is further expansion in the coming months as the quartet of URC clubs, also including the Lions and Sharks, take their place in the Heineken Champions Cup while the Cheetahs have been invited into the second-tier Challenge Cup.