Handre Pollard says there could be benefits to more South African sides moving into northern-hemisphere competition.

Following SA Rugby’s general council meeting on Friday, rumours have grown that four South African franchises could be set to join an expanded PRO16 tournament.

While the four teams to represent the country in the PRO16 are yet to be identified, it is widely expected that the Vodacom Super Rugby sides – the Vodacom Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – will be the chosen ones.

ALSO READ: SA franchises on verge of trading Super Rugby for PRO14 

Whatever the case may be, Pollard said it could ‘definitely be a positive’ to experience different conditions.

‘It’s difficult because Super Rugby is something dear to our hearts and we really enjoy that competition as well. But times have changed and a lot of things have changed in the last few months. Financially we are not where other countries are, so we have to look after ourselves and the future of the Springboks.

‘It would be very nice for South African teams to play in the northern hemisphere. It would develop everybody’s style of play and rugby knowledge.

‘Our style of play suits the northern hemisphere a bit more than the southern hemisphere. Playing against the All Blacks is an experience you cannot explain to a lot of people and you don’t want to miss out on that.

‘It’s going to be a tough one, luckily I don’t have to make that decision. Good luck to those guys,’ he added.

Photo: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images