In 2017, Celtic Rugby expanded the PRO14 by two teams to accommodate the Toyota Cheetahs and the Southern Kings, who had been booted out of the Super Rugby.

Speaking to among others, the former England flyhalf, Stuart Barnes, on the welfare of rugby globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Wood, said that the inclusion of Italian and South African teams in the PRO14 is a waste of time.

“For me, the PRO 14, I don't like it as a competition.

“I've never quite understood, but I do understand because of Italy being in the Six Nations, the need to put Italian sides, with no history, no sense of a rivalry, into the midst of a Celtic competition.

“And the South African teams for me, I think are an absolute waste of time.

“In terms of player welfare, deciding in the middle of your season, especially for international players, to suddenly have to pop down and play a game at the Highveld, for me it isn't particularly right.”

During their first season in the PRO14, the Cheetahs reached the play-offs and before the Covid-19 pandemic brought a halt to the proceedings, the team from Bloemfontein was well on their way to reaching the knockout rounds again.

According to the BBC, the PRO14 may resume in August, with the final set to be played on 17 or 19 September.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport