Statement: Six Nations make 'final decision' on South Africa joining tournament

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South Africa's rumoured leap into the Six Nations has hit a serious snag, putting the brakes on any immediate plans for the Rugby Championship kings to switch hemispheres.

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No Green Light for the Green and Gold

Despite whispers that the 2023 Rugby World Cup winners were eyeing a spot in Europe's most prestigious rugby tournament, South African outlet Rapport has revealed the talks have fallen apart.

"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 reportedly told the publication.

The CVC Roadblock

The major hurdle? An apparent breakdown in negotiations with CVC Capital Partners. The private equity giants hold a hefty stake in the Six Nations, following their £365 million injection back in 2021. Without their green light, South Africa's entry is off the cards.

Sticking to the South

For now, it seems the Springboks will remain anchored in the Rugby Championship alongside New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina.

Eyes on the USA?

In a twist, SA Rugby might be looking west. Reports suggest talks are underway with American company Ackerley Partners for a potential investment, hinting at strategic moves to bolster their financial standing.

The dream of Six Nations rugby for the Springboks isn't dead—but it's definitely on ice.

2025 Six Nations Fixtures

ROUND 1

  • Friday 31 January
    • France vs Wales – 8.15pm
  • Saturday 1 February
    • Scotland vs Italy – 2.15pm
    • Ireland vs England – 4.45pm
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

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Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland spins the ball out during the Autumn Nations Cup match between England and Ireland at Twickenham Stadium, Twickenham, London on November 21 2020. – PHOTO: Phil Mingo/PPAUK

ROUND 2

  • Saturday 8 February
    • Italy vs Wales – 2.15pm
    • England vs France – 4.45pm
  • Sunday 9 February
    • Scotland vs Ireland – 3pm

ROUND 3

  • Saturday 22 February
    • Wales vs Ireland – 2.15pm
    • England vs Scotland – 4.45pm
  • Sunday 23 February
    • Italy vs France – 3pm

ROUND 4

  • Saturday 8 March
    • Ireland vs France – 2.15pm
    • Scotland vs Wales – 4.45pm
  • Sunday 9 March
    • England vs Italy – 3pm
Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

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Ollie Lawrence of England is tackled by Tommaso Allan of Italy during the Six Nations Match between England and Italy at Twickenham, London on 12 Feb 2023 (Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)

ROUND 5

  • Saturday 15 March
    • Italy vs Ireland – 2.15pm
    • Wales vs England – 4.45pm
    • France vs Scotland – 8pm

AI predicts the next 20 Six Nations winners, Scotland finally win it

Groundbreaking AI technology has unveiled its jaw-dropping forecasts for the next two decades of Six Nations glory, and the results are nothing short of mind-blowing.

According to the cutting-edge predictions, England is poised to clinch victory in a staggering five out of the next 20 tournaments, while Scotland is primed for a historic triumph, marking their first title since their Five Nations conquest in 1999.

However, the road ahead seems daunting for Wales, as the AI oracle forecasts a prolonged wait until 2041 for their next taste of Six Nations glory.

Meanwhile, traditional powerhouses such as England, Ireland, and France are slated to dominate the competition, casting a shadow over Welsh aspirations.

Check out the next 20 Six Nations winner’s below.

2025: France

2026: Ireland

2027: England

2028: England

2029: Scotland

2030: France

2031: Ireland

2032: England

2033: Ireland

2034: France

2035: Ireland

2036: England

2037: Scotland

2038: France

2039: Ireland

2040: England

2041: Wales

2042: France

2043: Ireland

QUIZ: Can You Name Every British & Irish Lions captain since 2001?

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