This would definitely be a change from the norm.
It’s no secret that the PRO12 bosses are looking to find further ways to promote the competition and ultimately increase the levels of revenue which it receives.
One of the main ways in which it is hoping to do this is by competition expansion in lucrative, growing markets.
We have heard plenty of reports over the past 18 months or so about North America being one of the main sources of new potential teams which could enter the competition.
Huge changes in store for PRO12 rugby as brass consider new clubs, conferences and Six Nations break https://t.co/p5sRcrPw9X
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) April 1, 2016
A report in The Scotsman has revealed further details of where the franchises are likely to be located and the proposed format of the new-look competition.
The report states that two franchises will be included in a new tournament format which is hoped to be implemented from the 2018/2019 season onwards.
The ambition is to have a team based out of the Canadian city of Toronto who will utilise MLS side Toronto FC’s BMO Field.
Temperatures can drop to well below zero but it is hoped a roof can be installed at the stadium to solve this issue.
The USA based franchise is likely to be based out of Houston, Texas where PRO12 boss Martin Anayi visited a number of weeks ago.
It is also alleged that an Irish-backed consortium is keen on a potential franchise in New York.
The new competition is set to be dubbed the ‘Guinness Atlantic Rugby Championship’.
The proposed format is that there will be two divisions of seven teams, with teams in each respective division playing each other twice, home and away.
Teams from both divisions will then play each other, but only once. Giving a total of 18 regular season games, four less from what is currently the case in the PRO12.
The play-off format will then consist of the second and third placed teams in each division competing at a quarter-final stage, with the winners then facing the top sides from each division in a semi-final stage.
It’s difficult to know how accurate these reports are as there are often numerous stories about new potential teams, the latest of which came today from the former chief rugby writer of Welsh regional newspaper, The Argus.
Germany look to enter a franchise into the Pro 12 and set aside £26.5m for new infrastructure including stadium. Aim to qualify for 2019 WC
— Robin Davey (@robindavey01) February 20, 2017
There’s not often smoke without fire, so we would expect there to be some changes coming to the PRO12 in the coming years.
