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Bernard Laporte has confirmed that they are in advanced negotiations with SA Rugby for the Springboks to replace Japan in the Eight Nations competition later this year.
The tournament, with teams divided into two groups, is scheduled to begin on November 14 after the conclusion of this season’s postponed Six Nations.
Initially, the teams in dispute were the Six Nations teams along with Japan and Fiji, because New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina were not available to participate in the competition, as they are provisionally scheduled to play the Rugby Championship delayed in October.
But since Japan’s abrupt withdrawal from the eight-team tournament, confirmed on Thursday, organizers are hoping South Africa will join in in terms of participation.
‘The Japanese will not come to Europe,’ Laporte told the French news outlet Progress.
‘We are looking for a nation to replace them. We are in advanced talks with South Africa. It would be great to be able to face the Springboks world champions in this championship, but it’s not over yet. ‘
Laporte’s announcement that SA Rugby is even considering competing in the Eight Nations could imply that the Boks may not play in the Rugby Championship or even that the tournament will not go as planned.
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Photo: Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
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