When 12 became 14 ... pro tournament gets makeover
Last updated 1st Aug 2017
Rugby’s Pro12 tournament has increased its number of participating teams to 14, it was confirmed today.
South African sides, the Cheetahs and the Southern Kings will be added to an expanded competition, now known as Pro14.
The tournament will now adopt a two-conference model – each made up of two sides from Wales, two from Ireland and one each from Scotland, Italy and South Africa.
The top three sides in each will advance to the knockout stages.
Last year's Pro12 winners were Scarlets (pictured Jonathan Davies with trophy)
It is understood that each of the existing teams which include Ulster will receive an extra £500,000 with the event organisers covering the cost of travel to South Africa.
The first round of matches is due to be played on the weekend of September 1-3 with the first fixtures to be announced on August 7