It has been suggested that the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings are set for an exit from the PRO14 in order to make way for the four Super Rugby franchises, the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers.

This is due to the uncertainty over the four team's future in the Super Rugby.

In 2017, when the Cheetahs were booted from Super Rugby, Venter was the captain of the team and has some experience of the current situation.

Venter, who played in the Cheetahs first season on the PRO14, now plies his trade at the Worcester Warriors in England.

The exciting midfielder suggested that an alternative would be for the four South African teams in a possible expanded PRO16 to earn their right to play in Europe.

“I can still remember being a part of those negotiations in 2017 and when we left Super Rugby it was a very uncertain time.

“The only thing that you can do as a player is hope that you can get into another competitive competition because you always want to compete.

“We turned that negative into a positive by looking forward to the PRO14 and taking it on as a new challenge.

“I think that it is going to be a shame if they decide to leave the Cheetahs out of the PRO14. By the looks of it, they have a very decent squad at the moment and I look forward to seeing them play.

“In my opinion, if they want to make it fare maybe they could play some sort of knockout round to see who qualifies.

“I know that there is big money involved, but I am sure that they can make a plan. Let the best squads be involved in the PRO Rugby.

“The Cheetahs have always been competitive in the competition and it will really be a shame. As a player, you just want to know if your club has a future and in which competition you are going to play.

“If I have to give advice to all the players at the moment – there is nothing that you can really do. Just prepare yourself and hopefully, you’ll get the chance to play and do what you love.”

The Currie Cup may just well be the solution with the four teams reaching the semi-finals booking their ticket to Europe. This will also spice up the Currie Cup which has been labeled as a watered-down competition over the past decade or so.

The 2019/20 PRO14 will resume with a series of home-and-away derbies before the play-offs.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport