Springboks: Rugby Championship departure would be ‘devastating’ says former All Black
Former All Blacks hooker James Parsons would be “devastated” if the Springboks were to leave the Rugby Championship in favour of a move north after 2025 as recent speculation has suggested.
Reports last week emerged that the Springboks would be joining the Six Nations after 2025 at the expense of Italy, but the rumours were soon quashed by tournament organisers, who claimed they were not looking to restructure the competition or replace any teams.
Historic rivalry
However, the prospect of the Springboks leaving the southern hemisphere tournament is concerning for the All Blacks and Wallabies.
“Personally, I hope not because of the history we have,” Parsons told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“The best example of it, in our chat about most feared opponent or players we enjoyed coming up against the most, they were all Springboks or South African Super Rugby players.
“I think that shows the level of admiration and respect we have for their brand of footy.
“I believe it is speculation at this stage. My hope is they remain in the Rugby Championship.”
Crusader Bryn Hall sees the Springboks as a vital piece of the puzzle that allows other southern hemisphere nations to grow and evolve.
Hall believes that Six Nations is being played at a very high level with their teams doing well against the big Rugby Championship teams, which underlines how crucial the Springboks are.
“I think it would be a massive loss for us. The rivalry, the history throughout the years, it’s a massive game for us. They are our foe,” Hall said.
“If you look at the Six Nations at the moment, there are five teams that can win that competition.
“The level of consistency in that group, there is a high level about it every week. It’s a doozy of a game.
“If you lose the Springboks, unfortunately we are going to lose that ability to play a high tier match, at that intensity level. I think we need play them consistently, to evolve and get better.
“That’s probably where the best rugby is played at the moment, in the Six Nations. How they are playing at the moment, you look at the European tour last year, how successful they were against the southern hemisphere teams.
“It will be massively tough for us if we lose them. I hope it is just speculation.”
The motivation for South Africa’s move is obvious with time zones playing the biggest factor.
“I suppose the time zone and travel suits, all those factors and I suppose money does play a part, of course,” Parsons said.
“It is a business these days. I just it hope it doesn’t happen, I don’t know if it is or it isn’t, or the reasons they are looking at it.
“I’ll be devastated.”
A Springbok departure would see them face the All Blacks once a year in November or potentially a South African tour of New Zealand.
“Glass half-full, it would open up the possibility of them touring in that June series and have the old-school three match test series,” Parsons suggested.
“There potentially might be the opportunity for us to go the other way, I don’t know.”
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Eddie O'Sullivan sees Springboks joining Six Nations
Ex-Ireland boss Eddie O’Sullivan thinks South Africa’s entry to the Six Nations is inevitable. James While believes there are pros and cons to the argument.
