South African rugby president Mark Alexander has fueled the debate over his country's future direction in the sport.

At the PRO14 launch, Alexander said his players are "better off" playing in northern hemisphere championships.

There has been ongoing speculation that South Africa could soon quit Super Rugby, frustrated at the travel demands and competition structure

South Africa have four teams operating in Super Rugby – the Lions, Bulls, Stormers and Sharks – and also have two teams playing in Europe's Pro14 championship – the Cheetahs and Southern Kings.

Alexander revealed that two more franchises, most likely Griquas and the Pumas, could join the Pro14 next year.

Alexander believes the "long-term" investment in getting involved in the northern competition, despite the start-up expenses, would benefit South African rugby in future.

"It's a long-term investment. We have options now and in future. At some point in time in future if we don't want to stay in the south (in Super Rugby), we can move north," Alexander told the gathering.

"Also, the Pro 14 is a good competition for the players and coaches who're playing against tier one nations (players) each weekend, except for England.

"When we become a full Pro14 member next season we'll be the only nation who plays in the north and the south, and the major benefit of playing in the northern hemisphere is the players are better off. With the structure of the Pro14 competition the way it is, it's easier for travelling, with distances between places less than in the south, and the time zones are also better.

"When you consider player welfare and what's best for them, then the north is better."

Story via: stuff.co.nz