I’m relieved that the guys at the South African Rugby Union (Saru) have realised that they need to do something about the shocking state of the Currie Cup.
The oldest domestic rugby competition in the world has been watered down big time over the last few years.
So much so that it’s probably better for players to play in the Gold Cup club competition if they want the masses to see their skill on the field.
Teams played three games in one week, with Blue Bulls captain Boom Prinsloo, I think it was him, admitting earlier in the week that the last time he played so much rugby was at Craven Week level.
Boom, there was probably more people watching that tournament than there is watching the Currie Cup right now.
The tournament has been even further diluted this year with the Cheetahs and the Kings’ move to the Pro14.
Current champs the Cheetahs, who were unbeaten until they lost to neighbours Griquas on Saturday, will leave the Currie Cup on September 1 to begin their European season.
You already have B teams at Western Province, the Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions with their superstars prepping for the start of the Rugby Championship this week.
And for someone that always had a soft spot for the Currie Cup, I can’t help but feel sad at the status quo.
Yes, professionalism and money is the big problem and maybe the Currie Cup isn’t what it was because we don’t have the big names playing in it.
But surely you can’t then have the tournament running at the same time as Super Rugby.
From a player’s perspective, I can understand it is tough to “get up” for games.
No longer is the passion for your province a big thing. No longer do we see stadiums filled to its capacity to watch Western Province.
Saturday’s big north-south derby against the Blue Bulls was a good example of this.
Back in the day, Newlands would have been packed.
There would have been pre-match braais at Groote Schuur, and you could feel the excitement building up throughout the week.
Instead, Province had just two days to prepare for the game after travelling back from Kimberley where they were beaten by Griquas.
What Jurie Roux and his pelle need to realise is that you have to have a strong domestic competition in order for Springbok rugby to be healthy.
When your base is strong, you can build properly.
I’m not a marketing guru at all, but the way they are going about this competition, coupled with a poor rugby calendar which doesn’t allow them much wiggle room, is substandard.
The Currie Cup is as South African as they come and it’s something we can’t lose.
For that to happen, though, the gurus at the top will have to have a serious think-tank to come up with ways not only to save the competition, but prevent South African rugby in general from dying.
If this means giving full control of unions, and not the franchises, to private owners, I’m on board.
Then at least, we will keep the best players while at the same time - possibly luring overseas stars.
Yes, maybe the best thing to do with the Currie Cup is to go Indian Premier League style just a thought, use it please.