Six Nations: South Africa to replace Italy in the competition from 2025 – report

In potentially a huge shake-up, South Africa are sensationally in line to replace Italy in the Six Nations, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The Springboks yesterday committed themselves to the Rugby Championship until 2025 but, once that agreement has been honoured, they could then join the northern hemisphere tournament.

Despite previously being a key part of the southern hemisphere game, having also competed in Super Rugby since its inception in 1996 until 2020, they have gradually aligned themselves with those north of the equator.

Their four main franchises – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – now play in the United Rugby Championship and there has been talk of the national team joining the Six Nations.

CVC the driving force

Much of those rumours have been based around the Boks taking part in an expanded championship alongside England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales, but the Mail are reporting that CVC are pushing for them to directly replace the competition’s weakest side.

The investment firm bought a stake in the Six Nations last year and believe reform is needed. The inclusion of South Africa would certainly increase the competitiveness and bring significant commercial benefits, but would be a blow to Italian rugby and potentially tier two nations in Europe.

Promotion and relegation has long been discussed, while others have pushed for Georgia to be involved in an expanded ‘Seven Nations’, but this move would damage the development of those countries.

SANZAAR chief executive Brendan Morris confirmed that South Africa have “put us on notice they were exploring their options,” although some influential figures in Europe are against the Boks joining the Six Nations.

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