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News that the Springboks are potentially on the brink of joining the Six Nations has been met by widespread dismay and anger in the northern hemisphere.
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While South African fans appear very much open to the prospect, many existing Six Nations fans see it as a betrayal of the values and traditions of the tournament. While no one doubt’s the obvious calibre of the Boks, many fear that their entry will come at the cost of Italy, who have struggled to make an impact in the annual tournament in recent years.
Should the South Africans join in 2025 – or earlier as is being reported – the limited space in the calendar heavily implies that they would take the place of the Azzuri, who despite recent improvements, haven’t won a game since 2015.
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BBC’s Sonja McLaughlan Tweeted: “South Africa in the Six Nations. It’s a no from me. It’s too special to tinker with. The history & rivalry is worth protecting. Relegation play-off would be no bad thing but thought of adding Springboks leaves me cold.”
South Africa in the Six Nations. It’s a no from me.
It’s too special to tinker with. The history & rivalry is worth protecting. Relegation play-off would be no bad thing but thought of adding Springboks leaves me cold. https://t.co/HZrnpsc6kC— Sonja McLaughlan (@Sonjamclaughlan) February 14, 2022
“No, this is just wrong” wrote chef Michael Roux Jr.
No this is just wrong 🤬💩
— Michel Roux Jr (@michelrouxjr) February 17, 2022
Owain Jones wrote: “Narrative 1: Italy get stuffed again and haven’t won in 6N since 2015
‘Let’s kick the Italians out of the Six Nations, they’re rubbish.’
Narrative 2: CVC behind Springboks being parachuted into Six Nations, thus ditching the Italians
“Rugby Twitter. ‘How very dare you!'”
Narrative 1:
Italy get stuffed again and haven't won in 6N since 2015
'Let's kick the Italians out of the Six Nations, they're rubbish.'
Narrative 2:
CVC behind Springboks being parachuted into Six Nations, thus ditching the Italians
Rugby Twitter. 'How very dare you!'
????
— Owain Jones (@OwainJTJones) February 17, 2022
Popular Youtuber Squidge Rugby said such a move would ‘kill rugby dead’ in Italy. “This could kill rugby in Italy stone dead. It could severely damage rugby in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Georgia. It could ruin rugby’s safest bet, the Six Nations. It wouldn’t even really benefit South Africa. But CVC would make money so I guess that’s what truly matters.”
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This could kill rugby in Italy stone dead. It could severely damage rugby in Australia, Argentina, New Zealand, Georgia. It could ruin rugby’s safest bet, the Six Nations. It wouldn’t even really benefit South Africa. But CVC would make money so I guess that’s what truly matters. https://t.co/dzCD7q7FQE
— Squidge Rugby (@SquidgeRugby) February 17, 2022
Rugby journalist Rhys Jones wrote: “Any South African fans/outlets who are angry or confused about the backlash to this, it’s not about a dislike for South Africa joining the comp. It’s about rugby union in Italy being murdered.
Any South African fans/outlets who are angry or confused about the backlash to this, it’s not about a dislike for South Africa joining the comp. It’s about rugby Union in Italy being murdered.
— Rhys J (@reezj12) February 17, 2022
England international Rocky Clark wrote: “Ludicrous idea if this does happen, we need to support our rugby nations not disregard them. The Six Nations is paramount to the FIR’s success and development of rugby in Italy.”
Ludicrous idea if this does happen, we need to support our rugby nations not disregard them. The @SixNationsRugby is paramount to @Federugby success and development of rugby in Italy. https://t.co/ECybjoONou
— Rocky Clark MBE (@RockyClark_1) February 17, 2022
Not everyone was on board the no train however. Outspoken South African journalist Mark Keohane says he wanted Italy booted from the competition and the Springboks to step up.
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Get Italy out of @SixNationsRugby & get @Springboks #2024
— Mark Keohane (@mark_keohane) February 13, 2022
It may be a no from the most fans, but this debate isn’t about to go away.
The truth of the matter is whilst Italy haven't won any games, they are in Europe and there is a rivalry to be had. They have a growing domestic game and are actually producing players capable of getting into some of the worlds best international sides.
When it comes to South Africa, they are in an awkward place. No one really wants them and yet where they are doesn't really work for them. They won the world cup and the lions but it has done little to help grow rugby in South Africa. Players are leaving and the domestic game is built on a series of meaningless club games, with a player pool that isn't expanding. The decision to promote a world cup winning head coach to DoR has done nothing for the domestic game. It done nothing but suffer since the collapse in the Rand.
What does joining the Six Nations have them? It offers what, more travelling, no home games and them getting a lot of hate for butting into something they are not welcome in or should be part of. I know a lot of fans will be turned off and the idea that we should say its a done deal is unlikely. Rugby adminstrators are not stupid and the RFU is likely to agree to something they know will cause them a lot of needless grieve considering every other problem they have.