This could lead to the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers heading to an expanded PRO16 at the expense of the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings.

In their first season, the Cheetahs reached the play-offs and would most likely have done so again this season had the global Covid-19 pandemic not brought the sport to a grinding halt.

Coetzee, who has been playing for Ulster in Northern Ireland since 2016 told OFM Sport that Cheetahs have proven that they deserve to remain in PRO Rugby.

“The unions here in the UK and Ireland really love having the Cheetahs in the PRO14, just because of the sheer competitiveness they have brought to the tournament over the last couple of years.

“Of the two South African teams they were really consistent in their performances and they were seriously pushing for play-offs spots.

“I am not just speaking for myself as a proud South African, but in general over here, it will be very sad for them not to be entering the tournament.

“As I’ve said, they are well respected and the other teams love competing against them.

“Especially the touring factor to South Africa is a great experience as well, and I’ve seen this with the boys. They really loved it and to be able to measure themselves against the Cheetahs in South Africa.

The Potchefstroom-born Coetzee never played rugby for the Free State or the Cheetahs but did represent the Sharks on many occasions in Bloemfontein.

Coetzee added that he does feel that there should be changes to the Super Rugby, and he would love to see the more South African teams heading north, but not at the expensive of the Cheetahs who have already won the hearts and minds of many in Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.

The Guinness PRO14 will resume again towards the end of August with a series of home-and-away derbies, but at this stage, it seems highly unlikely that the Cheetahs and Southern Kings will be able to battle it out.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport