Sir Ian McGeechan breaks silence on Springboks joining the Six Nations

Friday, 02 January 2026 at 13:58

byRugby Rucker

Sir Ian McGeechan has backed the idea of expanding the Six Nations, naming the Springboks as a key part of his proposed seventh-team format.

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The Springboks in the Six Nations: Could It Happen?

It was reported back in 2022 that the Springboks were in talks to join the northern hemisphere’s Six Nations in 2025. Despite fan calls for relegation to be introduced to the competition, McGeechan argues that it would be better to add the world champions and keep the current closed-shop format.

South Africa’s Shift to the Northern Hemisphere

South Africa’s top rugby teams—Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers—are no longer competing in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter competition. Since 2021, they’ve joined the United Rugby Championship (URC), following in the footsteps of the Southern Kings and Cheetahs who made the move in 2017.

McGeechan's Bold Vision for the Future

"The obvious next step is for some sort of integrated season which sees the Springboks join the Six Nations to make it the Seven Nations," wrote McGeechan. "Financially it is in the interests of everyone, and it will also be beneficial in terms of raising standards for England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy."

McGeechan also pointed out that this idea could generate excitement among fans, referencing the success of the British and Irish Lions tours. "The example of the British and Irish Lions shows it also has the potential to be embraced by supporters as well, with fans travelling down to South Africa for a long weekend."

“I have to admit that I'm biased and that it's a prospect which excites me. I love South African rugby, and think it brings so much to the game. I'd love to see those links grow stronger still, although I can imagine it's not a prospect that will be greeted enthusiastically in Auckland and Sydney.”

Six Nations Blocks the Boks' Entry

Despite McGeechan’s enthusiasm, Six Nations organisers have since denied the possibility of expanding to a Seven Nations. However, speculation continued about the Springboks joining the competition.

The Boks Staying in the Rugby Championship

Reports from

Rapport reveal that the Springboks moving from the Rugby Championship to the Six Nations is "no longer on the table," mainly due to stalled negotiations between CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby.