BREAKING: Italy set to be dumped from Six Nations with replacement decided

According to their report, current World Champions South Africa's switch to the European showpiece at the expense of the Italians is still very much on, with talks continuing about the Springboks joining from 2025.

It is said CVC, the private equity firm who have bought a £365million stake in the Six Nations and the United Rugby Championship, are one of the main driving forces behind the ambitious proposal. They see huge financial benefits to the plan.

They've reported that there will not be an expansion to the tournament with a straight swap being the most likely scenario.

They said: 'With the country's provincial sides set to participate in European tournaments from next season, the next step is for the Boks to be integrated into the Six Nations. This scenario was first reported by .

Sportsmail in February 2020 and, although the timescale has altered slightly, the outcome has not.

'That means that the Boks would replace struggling Italy, which would enhance the competitiveness of the event but reduce any future prospect of participating unions agreeing to a model of promotion and relegation, without the safety net of the weaker Azzurri.'

Sanzaar chief executive Brendan Morris confirmed that South Africa's union are looking at alternative scenarios, saying: 'They put us on notice they were exploring their options. That was well before Christmas.'

Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel says he is “extremely cautious” about expansion, but CVC are said to feel South African involvement would bring enormous commercial gains and make an already legendary tournament even greater.

The Wales legend could realise his dream of playing in a Rugby World Cup after unexpectedly switching to rugby league. The former union icon, released by the Dragons at the end of the 2018-19 season, has joined 13-a-side club West Wales Raiders.

DID YOU KNOW? Henson has participated in several reality television series: 71 Degrees North, Strictly Come Dancing, The Bachelor and Celebrity Hunted (2019)

The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge last month, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side. He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.

England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for Minchinhampton, the club close to his home. The centre played outside centre for Bath and Gloucester, and won 75 caps for England between 2000 and 2011. He was a member of the England squad which won the 2003 World Cup.

The Sky Sports pundit, who also operates as a backs coach for Maidenhead RFC, loves to get his boots out of the cupboard whenever the opportunity presents itself. As well as playing in charity matches, he has also played a handful of games for Olney Vets.

DID YOU KNOW? In April 2018, he walked to the North Pole in memory of his son Freddie, who was born at 23 weeks, and helped raise over £750,000 for Borne's research

The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port. He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.