STATEMENT: Six Nations Rugby make final decision on South Africa joining competition

RUCK’s 2024 Guinness Six Nations content 

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Despite initial speculation that the 2023 World Cup champions were considering a switch from the Rugby Championship, negotiations have reportedly collapsed.

Rapport, a reputable South African publication, revealed that talks about the potential move have faltered.

"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,” stated an insider to Rapport.

The stumbling block appears to be South Africa's failure to reach an agreement with the tournament's investors, CVC Capital Partners. This private equity firm has a substantial financial stake in the Six Nations, having announced a £365 million long-term investment agreement in 2021.

As a consequence of the breakdown in negotiations, South Africa is expected to continue participating in its own southern hemisphere event, the Rugby Championship.

In response, SA Rugby is reportedly exploring discussions with American company Ackerley Partners, contemplating a potential investment move of their own.

Telegraph 5/10: "The try covered a multitude of sins - from George North running straight through him, to not holding his line before passing to Daly."

Planet Rugby 6/10: "Not a huge carrying threat but a smart operator. Took his try well and is a good distributor on the gain line, although he needs to show more in the rest of the Six Nations."

Replacement: Ollie Lawrence (If fit)

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Telegraph 5/10: "Struggled to match the heights of last week, losing the ball in contact deep inside the Welsh 22 before conceding a penalty and yellow card for killing a maul."

Planet Rugby 4/10: "A great debut last week but not so good this time around. The yellow card was needless as all he had to do was hold them up as he had got onto the ball."

Replacement: Chandler Cunningham-South

Planet Rugby 5/10: "Much quieter than last weekend. Didn’t really get the opportunity to run but he was a useful chasing option."

Rugby Pass 6/10: "Unable to follow up his livewire Stadio Olimpico effort with another eye-catching display. Still had some good moments, namely his scramble defence."

Replacement: Immanuel Feyi-Waboso 

Rugby Pass 6/10: "Didn’t shirk his tackle load with England under the first-half pump and had a lively second-half start before exiting on 52 minutes."

Planet Rugby 5/10: "The scrum was not really a factor while he was on the field thanks to some smart (possibly underhand) tactics from the Welsh."

Replacement: Ellis Genge

Rugby Pass 7//10: "England needed a hurry up when he was introduced on 52 and he gave them that and more. A very energetic effort."