The Springboks could reportedly still be set for a switch to the Six Nations in what would be a seismic shift in rugby’s global structure.
According to a report in the Daily Mail, the reigning world champions are still very much intent on joining the Six Nations from 2025.
Sanzaar announced on Wednesday that all four member unions – New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia, Argentina Rugby and SA Rugby – had committed to the southern-hemisphere partnership and the Rugby Championship until 2025.
According to the report, sources have suggested that if the Springboks join the Six Nations, the plan is not to expand the northern-hemisphere tournament.
Instead, the Boks would replace Italy, a controversial move that would undoubtedly enhance the tournament’s competitiveness, but would ultimately reduce any chance of a promotion-relegation system in Europe.
Since joining the Six Nations in 2000, Italy have finished as wooden spoonists in 16 out of 21 seasons. While they have started overhauling their youth structures, with their U20 team recently claiming a win over England U20 in the youth version of the tournament, those results have yet to translate to their senior team.
The Six Nations last year received a massive cash injection after private-equity company CVC Capital bought a one-seventh stake in the competition. It is believed that CVC is one of the driving forces behind bringing the Springboks into the Six Nations.
SA Rugby has been gradually aligning with the north. After being left out of Super Rugby in 2020, the four franchises – the Sharks, Vodacom Bulls, Lions and Stormers – joined the newly branded Vodacom United Rugby Championship in 2021 and from next season could play in European tournaments.
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