Rumours are intensifying over the possibility of Rugby Football Union world champions South Africa joining the Six Nations with perennial ‘whipping-boys’ Italy being taken out of the tournament.
The Springboks are currently committed to Rugby Championship - until 2025 – but it has been reported that they have told the southern hemisphere’s governing body that they are exploring their option of joining the Six Nations after their tenure is complete as plans for a major overhaul of the global calendar grows.
Italy joined the competition in 2000, but they have struggled from the get-go with them last winning a game in 2015.
As a consequence of any move by the Six Nations’ powerbrokers, the World Champions could now take the place of the Azzurri in a move driven by new investors. This follows South Africa increasingly aligning themselves with the northern hemisphere, in recent years, with the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions all joining the United Rugby Championship.
It is thought that South Africa’s closer alignment to European time zones, compared with that of Australia, New Zealand and Argentina is attractive to them. Furthermore, European-based teams - which includes; England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland and France - are claimed to be keen on cashing in on the Springboks' huge popularity; with South African sides able to generate huge broadcasting revenue.
SANZAAR, the governing body which oversees Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship competitions, has confirmed that South Africa had signed up for the Rugby Championship until 2025, in line with tournament’s broadcast arrangements. Its chief executive, Brendan Morris, said: “South Africa has put us on notice that they are exploring their options well before Christmas.
“As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic we are coming out of the worst three years in living memory of financial impact. Everybody has to do their due diligence in exploring what competitions to be involved in, and what provides the best opportunity for the best commercial outcome.
“The Six Nations, World Rugby, in all walks of life people, are exploring their business models at the moment.”
Six Nations CEO Ben Morel said: "The Six Nations have added to and reduced its teams very few times in its 140 years, so it's something we would be extremely cautious about doing. At present, we are very happy with what we have. But it can always be improved."
CVC Fund VII, the long-term strategic partnership with Six Nations Rugby, the official organising body of the Six Nations Championships, have invested some £365million into the Six Nations in return for a one-seventh stake in the tournament and are said to be keen on the idea of South Africa joining the fold.
