South Africa set to participate in Six Nations from 2026

South Africa are in discussion to be part of the Six Nations tournament from 2026 onwards according to reports.

The Boks have been part of the Rugby Championship competition that also has Australia, New Zealand and Argentina but following the Covid-19 crisis, there has been a consideration to align themselves with the Northern Hemisphere tournament.

Their Super Rugby franchises Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions have already pulled out of SANZAAR and are currently involved in the European competition United Rugby Championship.

According to Mail, the Springboks are in line to replace the struggling Italy from 2026 and are in discussion with Six Nations organisers and CVC Capitals who have bought a £365million stake in the Six Nations.

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.”