Six Nations chiefs shut door on Springboks’ inclusion!

The Springboks’ prospective move to the Six Nations has been scrapped after negations with the tournament’s investors broke down.

Speculation has been rife about the Springboks jumping ship from the Sanzaar’s Rugby Championship in favour of a move to the Six Nations, with reports suggesting South Africa could feature in the northern hemisphere tournament as early as 2025.

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NO SIX NATIONS FOR SPRINGBOKS

However, according to Rapport, the switch to the Six Nations is ‘no longer on the table’ due to negotiations between CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby breaking down.

CVC, who is the biggest investor in the Six Nations — having struck a deal worth £365m back in 2021 — has since sought to strike a deal with SA Rugby, but that has reached an impasse.

As a result, the Springboks’ medium-term future is very much with the Rugby Championship at international level.

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

SA Rugby are now reported to be in discussions with potential American investors, Ackerley Partners.

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