South African journalist Craig Ray has predicted when the South Africa will join Six Nations.
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The Six Nations bosses have previously denied there is any prospect of South Africa being added or Italy being kicked out.
However, four South African teams recently quit the southern hemisphere’s Super Rugby competition to join the United Rugby Championship, competing against sides from Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
The South African sides have since joined Europe’s premier competitions, which surely paves the way for them joining the annual international competition.
“It’s totally part of the plan,” to join the Six Nations revealed Ray to Off The Ball.
“The plan is to be in by I think 2025. Possibly as early as 2024 after the World Cup.
“And it’s certainly part of the discussions that are going on. Getting into the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup was the next step.
“The only logical step from there is into the Six Nations.”
Kolbe endorses Six Nations move:
“I think if it does happen, it would be massive and change the whole scenario regarding the Six Nations,” he said.
“For the Springboks, it would be amazing to be part of the Six Nations. You get to play against top countries each and week when you’re part of that competition. It would be amazing if it comes off one day, but who knows.”
Foreign-born players in the 2023 Six Nations breakdown by country
Americas Rugby News have compiled their annual breakdown of foreign-born players taking part in the 2023 Six Nations.
We recommend that you head over there to see their detailed analysis of the squads along with a year-on-year comparison with the last couple of years.
CLICK HERE TO READ THEIR FULL ARTICLE.
#6. FRANCE – 4 players
| PLAYER | BORN | TRAINED | POS | ELIGIBILITY | OTHER REP. |
| Dany Priso | Cameroon | France | LH | Residency (2008) | – |
| Uini Atonio | New Zealand | New Zealand | TH | Residency (2014) | Samoa u20 |
| Paul Willemse | South Africa | Namibia | LO | Residency (2018) | Namibia u18, South Africa u20 |
| Émilien Gailleton | England | France | CE | Parent | – |
#5. ENGLAND – 5 players
| PLAYER | BORN | TRAINED | POS | ELIGIBILITY | OTHER REP. |
| Bevan Rodd | Scotland | England | LH | Parent | – |
| Mako Vunipola | New Zealand | England | LH | Residency (2008) | – |
| David Ribbans | South Africa | South Africa | LO | Grandparent | – |
| Marcus Smith | Philippines | England | FH | Parent | – |
| Manu Tuilagi | Samoa | England | CE | Residency (2007) | – |
