United Rugby Championship does make sense in many ways but Sam Warburton is being backed for a reason

So, does the United Rugby Championship make sense? That’s the question under discussion this week in the wake of comments from former Wales and Lions skipper Sam Warburton.

The ex-Cardiff flanker was responding to a challenge from outspoken South African journalist Mark Keohane in the wake of two teams from the Rainbow Nation - the Bulls and Stormers - making the semi-finals of the new expanded competition.

Not one Welsh player in United Rugby Championship team of the season dominated by South Africans

Taking to Twitter, Keohane said: “So Sam Warburton, you asked what value the SA teams add to the URC after the first month, but you have gone AWOL since.” He then suggested yours truly could get an answer from Warburton.

But my services were not required. Sam himself delivered the retort, tweeting: “I’ll give you an answer no problem. There’s no doubting their ability. Fantastic rugby nation. League just doesn’t make sense and looks a random mix and match of clubs.”

Such a comment from such a household name was bound to be picked up and draw a reaction. Understandably, there were some disgruntled responses from South African fans. But the Welsh people who chipped in were generally supportive of his views, while the likes piled up.

So, with the dust having settled a little, just what are we to make of this whole debate? What is the verdict on the first season of the URC and the introduction of the four SA Super Rugby sides - the Bulls, Stormers, Sharks and Lions?

Well, in terms of what they have brought on the field, it’s fair to argue it has been a success. As Keohane alluded to, there was a lot of doubt expressed over the first month of the competition. The opening four rounds saw 16 cross-continent fixtures and just