The tournament was controversial before it even began, with the Southern Spears saga regarding entry into the Super 14 and Currie Cup continuing.
The five provincial teams directly affiliated to the Super 14 franchises - the Blue Bulls, Free State Cheetahs, Golden Lions, Sharks and Western Province, called "entrenched" teams – got automatic qualification to the Currie Cup Premier Division for five seasons, from 2006 until 2010.
The Falcons won the Vodacom Cup competition and the Pumas finished fifth to secure their places in the Premier Division.
In addition, the South Eastern Cape would be named as an entrenched team for 2006 only, as preparation for the Southern Spears' entry into the 2007 Super 14 season.
[1] However, the Southern Spears were later denied entry into the Super 14 competition[2] and the South Eastern Cape's spot were given to Griquas instead.