France scrumhalf Morgan Parra says South African clubs should not have been allowed to take part in the European Champions and Challenge Cups next season.
This comes shortly after the fixtures for next season’s European competitions were announced, with Parra set to travel with new club Stade Francaise to Johannesburg to face the Lions in December.
United Rugby Championship title holders the Stormers, finalists the Vodacom Bulls and quarter-finalists the Sharks will all be part of the Champions Cup, while the Lions and Cheetahs will take part in the Challenge Cup next season. However, 71-Test-capped scrumhalf Parra criticised the decision to include South African teams in Europe, during an interview with French publication“I’m going to be honest. It’s a great experience for the players who are going to face these franchises but, for me, it’s no longer called the Champions Cup,” Parra said. “Before, it was the European Cup – with real meaning and history, too.
“I have nothing against the southern hemisphere, but it is no longer the European Cup. Let it be called something else and say that the European Cup no longer exists. “And it’s the same for the Challenge Cup, it no longer exists. For me, the two competitions should not be played with SA teams.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
France to help Benin and Gulf of Guinea states battle militantsFrance aims to 'respond positively' to requests from Benin and other countries for air support and intelligence to combat Islamist militants, a French official said on Wednesday, as President Emmanuel Macron arrived in the West African state.
Read more »
France committed to Africa's security, says Macron | The CitizenFrance is reconfiguring its posture in the Sahel after falling out with the military junta in Mali, the epicentre of a bloody 11-year-old jihadist campaign in the region.
Read more »
Strong mentality helped Banyana shake off bridesmaid tagSA woman football star Linda Motlhalo says team benefited from players joining foreign clubs
Read more »
‘My brother is dead’ – Tributes pour in for Rhythm City actor Mncedisi Shabangu | DrumThe actor starred in various SA productions including iNumber Number. Stars including Athandwa Kani shared their memories of him. | DrumMagazine
Read more »