By Jonathon Moore Rugby union editor

Springbok hero Bobby Skinstad is hoping to play for the new outfit

Former Springbok captain Bobby Skinstad says a South African takeover of a Division One side would be good for English rugby.

Skinstad is fronting a consortium of businessmen who are currently negotiating with a number of National League One sides.

"We've done our homework, we don't believe we're going to waltz in anywhere," Skinstad told BBC Sport.

"But at the same time, we can benefit the whole of the English game."

South African businessman Johann Rupert and Wayne Huizenga, the owner of the NFL's Miami Dolphins, want to take over an existing Division One club, rename it London Tribe and attempt to win promotion to the Zurich Premiership.

The club taken over would effectively be selling its Division One status but could retain its assets, name and fan base.

The consortium, which has already negotiated to base itself at Loftus Road, the west London home of Queens Park Rangers, hopes to gain support from South African expatriates living in London and attract new players, including Skinstad.

"As a group we've identified that there is a possibility here," Skinstad said.

Any club in the First Division willing to move ground would be a viable option Bobby Skinstad

"It's no secret that full stadiums means fuller pockets, which means better teams which means winning more.

"So if we can identify a fan base that's not watching Zurich Premiership live at the moment - and we believe we can do that - then I think we've got a viable proposition."

Newspaper reports have suggested that two clubs in talks with the consortium were Lancashire's Orrell and Wakefield in Yorkshire.

But Skinstad admitted other clubs had shown an interest.

"There are a couple of others involved," he added.

"In fact, any club in the First Division who would be willing to move ground would be a viable option at the moment."

Global reputation

Skinstad, who joined Celtic League side Gwent Dragons on a short-term contract earlier this year, plans to play for the new team if a place is secured and the concept receives Rugby Football Union (RFU) approval.

"We'd obviously like to prepare meticulously and cover the eventuality of making the Premiership," said Skinstad.

I agree with Skinstad, I think the new club would be exciting and different to the Premiership norm From Engalltheway Have your say on Scrum V

"And our ultimate aim would be to get their and to stay there, so if we get that right we hopefully won't be like other clubs, many of whom are semi-professional outfits trying to play in a professional league."

The other principle backers of the consortium are South African-based IT entrepreneur Duncan Simpson-Craib and New Zealand businessman Douglas Myers.

"We hope to benefit global rugby," said Skinstad. "We've had interest from broadcasters in South Africa and New Zealand already.

"That would certainly help to enhance the global reputation of the Zurich Premiership."

On Monday, Orrell chief executive Maurice Lindsay dismissed reports the club would be sold.