Former Lions coach: Boks in the Six Nations would be a win-win

With South Africa’s leading local franchises having already made the move to the northern hemisphere in the United Rugby Championship, many believe it’s also time for the Boks to exit the Rugby Championship and join an expanded Six Nations.

It appears an unlikely prospect for the foreseeable future considering Sanzaar revealed last year that the Boks were part of a commitment among all the Rugby Championship partners until 2030.

However, McGeechan is the latest high-profile pundit to add his voice in support of a possible shift in thinking.

“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,” McGeechan wrote in his column for The Telegraph.

“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.

“The example of the British & 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,” he added.

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McGeechan believes Boks’ overseas-based contingent are also an asset

“The direction is now clear and by the World Cup virtually all the top South African players will either be playing for clubs in Europe or against them,” he wrote.

“Next season at least one of the South African provinces competing in the URC will also gain access to Europe’s top club competition, meaning that many of the Springboks with the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions will have further top-level competition against to European sides.”