The Six Nations continues to be a hugely successful tournament, although there is a good chance that we will see some changes to it format in the not too distant future.
Italy's future in the event has been questioned, while it has also been suggested that South Africa could be brought into the fold after their club sides moved into the European sphere of rugby. While the tournament organisers have denied that such alterations are likely, the quest to increase its revenues mean that many feel The Springboks coming on board is inevitable.
One of the most influential figures in South Africa seems on board with the idea.
Rassie Erasmus back South African Six Nations switch
Speaking to Mail Sport, SARU Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus said that the move would make a lot of sense from a South African perspective.
Just remember this is purely my own personal opinion. I don’t need to get myself into any more trouble!
I’ve always been a massive fan of the Six Nations. Murrayfield is awesome, the Aviva is awesome, Twickenham is awesome. I love the atmosphere and their rich tradition of singing.
Speaking from the South African side of the fence, I would love to see the Springboks in the Six Nations. The style of play, the travel and the time zones would all suit South Africa.
You could fly in overnight on Thursday, play on a Saturday and fly back on Sunday. It would be easy. When we go to Australia or New Zealand, you wake up at 2am and don’t know what day it is..
We are locked in with the Rugby Championship until 2025, so for now it is still hypothetical.
Just please don’t mistake this for me saying the Rugby Championship is bad. I love New Zealand, I love Australia and I love Argentina. Gus Pichot is a legend.
If someone with proper research showed me that South Africa joining the Six Nations would make the Rugby Championship weaker and damage the growth of the global game, then we shouldn’t do it. But right now, speaking as a South African, I think joining the Six Nations would be awesome.
As mentioned above, any South African move to the Six Nations could not come before 2025. However, the murmurs of such a switch have become increasingly prominent in recent months.
Considering how the club scene in the country has changed and the Six Nations' quest to increase revenues, the move could well make a lot of sense for all parties.
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