Star flank Pieter-Steph du Toit has given his opinion on speculation that the Springboks could leave the Rugby Championship to join the Six Nations in the near future.
Speculation has been rife over the past few months that the Springboks could ditch the Sanzaar partnership to join Europe’s elite.
Despite committing to Sanzaar and the Rugby Championship until at least the end of 2024, suggestions are that the door is still open for the Springboks to join the Six Nations in 2025.
The Springboks have been involved in the southern-hemisphere tournament since it was first formed as the Tri-Nations in 1996, claiming their first title in 1998.
Their rivalry with the All Blacks is a highlight of the Test calendar, as the two teams have a history going back to 1921.
Former and current All Blacks have already spoken out against the Boks leaving the Rugby Championship, saying it would be to the detriment of the tournament.
During a media conference in Japan, Du Toit said that ending the historic rivalries with New Zealand and Australia would make any move away from the Rugby Championship tinged with sadness.
“I think there are pros and cons of moving there [the Six Nations] and moving away from the [Rugby] Championship,” Du Toit was quoted by RugbyPass.
“I don’t know what they are going to do. In my personal opinion, it’s going to be sad to leave the Rugby Championship, and not play against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, but I guess there comes a time in people’s lives when they have to move on.
“I’m not sure now is the right time but the right people, the smart people who make the decisions and do their homework on which is best for the tournaments and teams, will make the decision and we’ll take it forward from there.”
All Blacks lock and Du Toit’s Toyota Verblitz teammate Patrick Tuipulotu also shared his thoughts on the speculation.
“If it does happen it would be quite sad. Throughout my time I’ve always enjoyed playing in South Africa against the South African Super Rugby sides, and especially the Springboks,” Tuipulotu said.
“For both of us there is a special relationship. Even coming here [Japan] now, there’s a special relationship now with Pieter and Willie [le Roux], and a lot of guys from different countries. I think that’s the special thing about rugby.
“As Pieter mentioned before, it would be quite sad but you’ve got to move on. That’s all you can do. Us as players, you focus on your next job, next role on the field, and I suppose, off the field, that’s what it comes down to.”
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
