Cheetahs fighting for their existence as Currie Cup qualification looms
The Cheetahs franchise is potentially at stake as they do battle at the business end of the ongoing SA Cup.
Report: Cheetahs saved from financial collapse by business consortium
According to Rapport, the Free State Rugby Union was under extreme financial pressure before the intervention, with debts running into the millions and the union borrowing money just to pay salaries.
At the consortium's insistence, a chief financial officer was appointed, who has worked closely with CEO Rory Duncan over the past year to stabilise off-field operations.
"We are currently in year two of a five-year process aimed at securing the Cheetahs' future and strengthening the union's financial health," a consortium spokesperson said.
"SA Rugby's current financial model is not sustainable for unions. Everyone is operating at a loss, and as with other franchises, private investment is the only viable path to survival."
Veteran administrator Duncan was this week named the Sharks' new chief of staff and will return to Durban after completing his tenure with the Cheetahs in June.
The consortium is also considering involvement in new international competitions and exploring the possibility of hosting a Springboks Test match at Free State Stadium. The venue has since been upgraded to meet the requirements for hosting Test rugby again.
A year ago, SA Rugby had downgraded the stadium to a Class C venue, making it unlikely to host major international fixtures.
Homecoming: Double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk signs Cheetahs deal
Springbok livewire Faf de Klerk is returning to South Africa after signing a two-year deal with the Cheetahs.
Stormers beef up forward stocks with Vernon Paulo signing
Stormers Rugby have signed the services of hooker Vernon Paulo from the Cheetahs to bolster their front row stocks going forward.
Super Rugby Pacific CEO not interested in bringing South African teams back
Super Rugby Pacific CEO Jack Mesley says there is no incentive to try get South African teams back into the competition because their games did not receive good television ratings.