Six Nations make 'final decision' on the Springboks joining the tournament

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The idea of South Africa joining the Six Nations has officially been put to bed, according to reports from the country's media.

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Speculation over the Springboks making the switch from the Rugby Championship to Europe's premier international competition first emerged in 2022, with rumours suggesting a potential move as early as this years tournament. Six Nations organisers were quick to dismiss the claims, but the debate refused to die down.

Talks Break Down

However, South African outlet Rapport confirmed in 2024 that the move is “no longer on the table” after negotiations between CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby hit a standstill.

CVC, a private equity firm that has pumped significant investment into the sport, struck a £365m deal with the Six Nations in 2021. They've also invested £230m into Premiership Rugby and £120m in what was then the PRO14—helping shape it into the United Rugby Championship after South African franchises were added.

However, efforts to strike a similar deal with SA Rugby have stalled, meaning the Springboks' international future remains firmly in the Rugby Championship—at least for now.

"There have been discussions for the Boks 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.

PREDICTOR GAME:

You will receive points if either/both of your predictions occur during the live match.

POINTS

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15 Points: Time of 1st Try Correct

A winner will be selected from those with the most points at the end of the game week

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Four players Wales must drop – and who should replace them

With Warren Gatland's team completely outclassed in Paris, questions are already being asked about his selections. Here are four players who should be axed ahead of Wales’ next match.

Ben Thomas

Rugby Pass 5/10: “Cannot be faulted for trying to play with width, but he was not without errors in doing so and a few poor decisions- particularly a strange first-half chip when Wales were in a promising position. Looked more comfortable when shifting to inside centre, where he proved to be slightly more threatening when attacking the line.”

Wales Online 5/10: “Showed glimpses of his attacking threat in the first-half with a couple of half-breaks while his kicking out of hand was decent. But Wales’ attack ran out of ideas in the second-half, albeit behind a beaten pack.”

Planet Rugby 5/10: “You can see the potential but once again it was a mixed bag from the playmaker. There were a few good moments early on but he became ragged and took some poor decisions as Wales unravelled in the Six Nations opener, despite getting more playmaking support when Dan Edwards came on for Watkin in the first half.”

Replacement: Dan Edwards

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