Six Nations bosses make ‘final decision’ on the Springboks joining the tournament

Saturday, 15 March 2025 at 07:30

byRugby Rucker

The long-running debate over South Africa joining the Six Nations has officially been put to bed, with reports confirming the move is now off the table.

Find your local Greene King and settle in to the Six Nations!

Talks Collapse

Since 2022, speculation has swirled about the Springboks ditching the Rugby Championship for Europe’s biggest international competition. While Six Nations chiefs repeatedly dismissed the rumours, discussions between private equity firm CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby kept hopes alive.

However, South African outlet

Rapport has now confirmed negotiations have hit a dead end. A source told the publication:

“There have been discussions for the Boks to play in the Six Nations, but that’s not going to happen anymore – or at least not before 2030 or even after.”

CVC, which pumped £365m into the Six Nations in 2021, had been exploring ways to integrate South Africa. But after stalling talks with SA Rugby, the Springboks’ future remains locked in the Rugby Championship.

No Expansion Before 2030

The Six Nations will remain unchanged for at least the next five years, with BBC and ITV securing a new four-year broadcast deal running until 2029. This effectively rules out any expansion—bad news for both South Africa and Georgia.

The deal ensures:

BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, called it a “fantastic deal” to keep rugby free-to-air, ensuring fans across the UK can continue enjoying the tournament.

For now, the Springboks will have to wait—if a move ever happens at all.

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Five England players blacklisted by Steve Borthwick – one wants to quit for Six Nations rival

From a fullback who was once undroppable to a powerful winger who was compared to Jonah Lomu, here are five England stars who have fallen completely out of favour—one of whom could be lost to Wales for good.

Freddie Steward – The rock-solid fullback cast aside

It wasn’t long ago that Freddie Steward was considered a guaranteed starter for England. A defensive rock under the high ball and a reliable last line of defence, he played a crucial role in England’s World Cup campaign.

Yet, in a shocking turn of events, Borthwick has axed him in favour of Marcus Smith—a player who isn’t even a specialist fullback. This drastic move highlights just how far Steward has fallen in the pecking order. Nobody saw this coming.

Zach Mercer – From France’s best to England’s forgotten man

Zach Mercer’s return to the Premiership was met with serious hype. After being named Top 14 Player of the Year at Montpellier, it seemed inevitable that he would finally be given a proper shot in an England jersey.

A call-up to a World Cup training camp suggested Borthwick was keen to reintegrate him, but Mercer never added to his two caps. His stint at Gloucester has been frustrating, and with reports suggesting he’ll leave at the end of the season, his England career looks all but over.

Joe Cokanasiga – Eight years later, still on the fringes

This summer marks EIGHT years since Joe Cokanasiga was first called into an England squad. His blend of power and pace drew early comparisons to Jonah Lomu, and at just 19, he looked set for a long international career.

Yet, despite earning 14 caps, he has never been able to cement a regular starting role. A surprise recall before the 2023 World Cup ended in disappointment, as he was cut after an underwhelming warm-up match against Wales. Despite some strong performances for Bath this season, Borthwick remains unconvinced.

The England boss reportedly gave Cokanasiga areas to improve on, but with no recall in sight, his international future remains in doubt.

Ollie Hassell-Collins – Ignored by England, wanted by Wales

Hassell-Collins looked like a long-term England winger when Borthwick handed him his debut in 2023. However, after just two caps in last year’s Six Nations, he has completely vanished from England’s plans.

Not only was he ignored for the current Six Nations squad, but he was also left out of the England A side that faced Portugal. Instead, Warren Gatland has taken notice, with the Wales boss openly discussing Hassell-Collins’ eligibility to switch allegiances.

The Leicester Tigers winger himself has admitted he could be tempted to play for Wales. Speaking to The Telegraph, he said: “I’ve got two caps for England, and obviously I’m English. But if I don’t see anything in the next few years then it’s definitely something that I would consider.”

Could England be about to lose him to their biggest Six Nations rival?

Tom Pearson – One cap and counting…

At 25, Pearson is still an exciting prospect, but he has only managed a single England cap to date. His physicality makes him a standout performer at club level, yet Borthwick clearly doesn’t see him as the answer to England’s back-row dilemma.

While other uncapped players have leapfrogged him into recent squads, Pearson remains on the outside looking in. With England’s back-row options constantly evolving, his wait for another chance could be a long one.

Can you name the entire British & Irish Lions squad from their tour of New Zealand in 2005?

The British & Irish Lions' tour of New Zealand in 2005 remains one of the most talked-about campaigns in rugby history.

Despite facing a formidable All Blacks side, the squad was packed with legendary talent representing England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

From unforgettable tries to moments of controversy, this tour had it all—and it’s time to see just how much you remember!

Can you recall every player who pulled on the famous red jersey during that iconic tour? Dive into this quiz to test your Lions knowledge and relive a piece of rugby history!