It was the worst-kept secret in rugby, and on Tuesday morning it was finally confirmed that two South African sides are joining the newly-named Pro14.
The Port Elizabeth-based Southern Kings and the Bloemfontein-based Cheetahs will both join the league next season. Split up into two conferences, each Irish province are guaranteed to play one away match against one of the South African teams.
In Conference A, Munster and Connacht have been paired with the Cheetahs, while Conference B sees the Southern Kings join Leinster and Ulster.
While the addition of the two South African teams will add a new dimension to the competition, the air-miles for the four teams will be huge.
Limerick to Bloemfontein - 6,032 miles
Where is closer for Munster fans? Limerick to Dhaka, Bangladesh - 5,290 miles
The Sher-e-Bangla Stadium is the home of the Bangladesh cricket team, and would save Munster around 700 miles, than a trip to South Africa to play the Cheetahs.
Galway to Bloemfontein- 6,077 miles
Where is closer for Connacht fans? Galway to Anchorage, USA - 4,245 miles
Connacht are used to playing in sub-zero conditions after their 2015 trip to Siberia to play in the Challenge Cup. After that experience, they should have no issue playing in Alaska.
The Alaska Mountains Rugby Grounds is just outside Anchorage and is one of the most picturesque grounds in the sport.
Dublin to Port Elizabeth - 6,317 miles
Where is closer for Leinster fans? Dublin to Toyko, Japan - 5,962 miles
The World Cup in Japan is only two years away, so wouldn't it make sense for the Leinster fans to get a sneak preview of what to expect in 2019?
Tokyo's Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is the traditional home of the Japanese team, and would be a suitable venue for a Pro14 match.
Belfast to Port Elizabeth - 6,389 miles
Where is closer for Ulster fans? Belfast to Lima, Peru - 6,157 miles
As the most northerly-based team, Ulster will have the longest journey of all-Irish based teams this season.
While the trip to the southern tip of South Africa, they could ask the Southern Kings to play on a neutral venue. A trip from Belfast to Peru would save some miles. The teams could play in Lima's Estadio Nacional.
Whatever happens, all four teams will need comfortable pillows for the plane. It's going to be a long flight.
