PRO16 will be 'tougher' than Super Rugby, says Rhyno Smith

Versatile Cheetahs fullback Rhyno Smith could turn out for his new Italian club Benetton if the Rainbow Cup goes ahead but he sent a word of warning to South African teams about how tough British and Irish teams will be.

The Cheetahs confirmed this week Smith was set to link up with the Treviso-based outfit at the end of June this year.

While it is unclear whether the current wave of the pandemic will allow the PRO16 or Rainbow Cup that involves the Bulls, Sharks, Lions and Stormers will proceed, Smith warned the toughness would be ratcheted up a few notches up north.