There were fourteen participating teams in the 2001 Currie Cup qualification series. These teams were divided into two sections, Section X and Section Y. Teams played all the other teams in their section once over the course of the qualification series, either at home or away. Teams received four points for a win and two points for a draw. Bonus points were awarded to teams that scored four or more tries in a game, as well as to teams that lost a match by seven points or less. Teams were ranked by log points, then points difference (points scored less points conceded). The top four teams in each section qualified for the
2001 Currie Cup Top 8 and the bottom three teams in each section qualified for the
2001 Bankfin Cup. ==Teams==