South Africa are on course to join the Six Nations after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, according to a report from the Mail Online.
If the proposed plan goes ahead, it’s expected that the Springboks will take their place in Europe’s annual Test tournament in 2024.
MAIL SPORT: South Africa to join @SixNationsRugby #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/JHtL9o3pIN
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) February 7, 2020
Negotiations on the subject have been going on behind the scenes for some time, starting when two teams from the country joined the Guinness PRO14.
The plan would involve expanding the championship to a seven-team event, meaning struggling Italy would retain their place in the Championship.
POLL:
One source has reportedly suggested that: ‘Things are falling nicely into place.’
Of course the move would also cause huge ructions in the southern hemisphere, leaving Rugby Championship (consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa) in crisis.
Although it has been suggested already that Japan are improving fast and could naturally fill the void to aid their development.
SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE:
Initial reaction to the news South Africa could be added to the #SixNations: pic.twitter.com/WUzFdD02Xs
— Tim Cocker (@cocker) February 7, 2020
We need a complete rethink of world rugby, but South Africa to the Six Nations is not that
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) February 8, 2020
We need to find roles for USA, Japan, Fiji and Georgia
We need to stop rugby from dying in Australia
We need to strengthen Italy and Argentina
We need to continue to develop new nations
The only way the Six Nations should change in the near future is a potential promotion & relegation trial run with the Rugby Europe International Championships. Fiji and South Africa should not be allowed to join the competition. End of. #GuinnessSixNations
— James Dodd (@james_dodd1) February 7, 2020
No, no, no, no. South Africa cannot join the Six Nations. England, France, Ireland, Scotland, Wales with a sixth berth for qualifiers – Italy have proven woeful. A second division for Italy, Georgia, Romania, Spain, etc..
— Iolo Jones (@ioloj) February 8, 2020
