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Six Nations have their say on the 'Springboks joining' speculation
By PA
Six Nations chief executive Ben Morel insists there are no plans to add the Springboks to the championship with an enhancement of the July and November windows seen as a greater priority. South Africa have been persistently linked with the tournament despite signing a contract to appear in the Rugby Championship until 2030.
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SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux stated last month that his world champion Springboks would be interested in joining the Six Nations, but at Tuesday’s Autumn Nations Series launch Morel ruled out an invitation for the foreseeable future.
“It’s not currently a question. My understanding is that South Africa are committed to the Rugby Championship and at the same time our focus is on July and November,” Morel said.
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“The Six Nations has added to and reduced its number of teams in very few moments during its 140 years, so it is something that we would be very cautious of doing.”
The Six Nations organises the autumn campaign – now named the Autumn Nations Series – and is also involved in the new season structure discussions for the international calendar after the 2023 World Cup.
2?3? from 2?6?
A leak about THAT leak suggests Rassie got plenty right…#springboks #lions #jacojohan #leakinghttps://t.co/HsBzPdlVek— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 24, 2021
It is hoped that by packaging the summer tours in July and the annual November Tests together, a global competition would be created. “We’re pretty happy with what we have, but we’re sure it could be improved. If that leads to a final or some sort of ranking, that would be a positive,” Morel said.
“It is complex but the Six Nations are playing a leading role in what the solution could be. Some sort of final is exciting and that is what the fans want to see.”
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The ex-Springboks winger made his Premiership debut for Northampton on Friday night #Northampton #GallagherPrem #NORvWOR #Springbokshttps://t.co/i8MFXDAGwO
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 23, 2021
It would be a big loss if South Africa leaves the RC. Oh boy, 6 Nations would explode globally. But I think it will eventually happen and RC will replace SA with Japan because SH needs money while SA will only add to the 6N brand.
It’ll happen. Italy are rubbish and the RC has always handicapped SA and Argentina with the timezones. Nobody tunes in to watch Italy ship 50 points year after year after year where’s Boks versus any other team would generate massive viewing figures. Money talks.