The South African franchises taking part in the Rainbow Cup this year could reportedly be based in either Dublin or Dubai.

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, SA Rugby and PRO Rugby bosses are currently in negotiations over contingency plans for a base for the South African teams, if they are unable to host the European teams.

The Rainbow Cup will see the four South African franchises – the Vodacom Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions – play against the PRO14 teams between April and 19 June.

The 16 participating teams will be divided into into two pools of eight. Each pool will be made up of two South African teams, two Irish, two Welsh, one Italian and one club from Scotland.

However, according to the report, current restrictions, along with the negative stigma attached to the South African variant of the Covid-19 virus, could make travel difficult during the competition.

With South Africa still featuring in travel bans from many overseas governments and with current quarantine regulations, this could lead the South African teams to find a new base.

Suggestions have reportedly included both Dublin and Dubai, but SA Rugby has also even mentioned London as a possible alternative. In this case, the teams would stay in a bio-bubble in one hotel and share a training ground.

However, nothing is concrete yet and is subject to change based on the travel regulations.

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