Eben Etzebeth feels joining Six Nations 'would be good' for South Africa
Eben Etzebeth was part of 2019 World Cup winning South Africa squad
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South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth feels the joining the Six Nations competition will benefit the Springboks.
Ever since the pandemic Covid-19 disrupted the game, there have been talks about the World Champions joining the northern hemisphere competition with the South African clubs already part of the Europe's United Rugby Championship tournament.
Earlier, SANZAAR affirmed that the Springboks are committed to the Rugby Championship at least until 2025 after reports emerged that South Africa Rugby are exploring other options including joining Six Nations tournament.
“I think the Six Nations would be good for us,” the 30-year-old told on the Rugby Roots programme.
“Obviously, it just makes sense with us playing in the URC at the moment against the same competition.
“Maybe we could have a full June series against New Zealand, play in the Six Nations and then have an end of year tour in Australia or Argentina.
“I would love to join the Six Nations, but I would also love to still play those other teams as well. Maybe they (World Rugby) can get a good balance.
“At the end of the day, for me, it’s just about playing for South Africa.”
Earlier, South Africa director of rugby Rassie Erasmus also vouched his support for the Springboks joining the Six Nations tournament.
“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,” he told Daily Mail.
“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.”
