The Cats will no longer be. The much-maligned Super 14 franchise — which was once an amalgamation of the Golden Lions and Cheetahs — will now only be know as the Lions.
In a statement issued on Friday the Golden Lions Rugby Union said that after ”in-depth market research” they decided that their international brand (read Super 14 brand), which used to be known as Cats, will in future be called Lions.
The domestic brand (Currie Cup team) will continue to be known as the Golden Lions, as is the current situation.
The statement also tells another interesting tale … but only if you read between the lines.
Despite the Southern Spears’ utmost protestations and court actions, the Lions believe they will be contesting the Super 14 competition next year and not the controversial South Eastern Cape franchise that is engaged in an ongoing court case with the South African Rugby Union.
The Cats finished last or second last every year since 2002 and next year, as the lowest finishing South African team, will actually be kicked out of the competition if the Spears win their case.
So the name change may yet be an exercise in futility. — Sport365.co.za