No discussion to include South Africa in Six Nations - Tournament organisers

Six Nations organisers have played down the talks about the possibility of including South Africa in the northern hemisphere competition.

Earlier, there were reports that the Springboks are committed to remain with the Rugby Championship until 2025 following which they are planning to align themselves with the northern hemisphere.

According to Mail, the 2019 World Cup champions are in line to replace the struggling Italy, who have lost 34 consecutive games in the tournament but Six Nations Rugby have denied the speculations.

"Six Nations Rugby, comprising the six unions and federations and CVC, wish to confirm that they are not entertaining any discussion nor developing any plans to add or replace any participating union.

"All its energy is focused on the current strategic discussions regarding the July and November international windows and structure of the global season, and to ensure a positive outcome for the development of the game."

Earlier in the week, SANZAAR chief executive Brendan Morris said South Africa are committed to the Rugby Championship until 2025.

“They [South Africa] did put us on notice they were exploring their options – that was well before Christmas,” he said.

We’ve got a number of international and local broadcast deals that are extended to 2025. There was never any cause for alarm that we were never going to meet those obligations.

“We’re coming out of the worst three years in living memory of financial impact. Everybody has to do their due diligence in exploring what competitions to be involved in, and what provides the best opportunity for the best commercial outcome.”