Springboks about to join Eight Nations

Six Nations Vice President Bernard Laporte has revealed that the Springboks are in advanced talks to join the Eight Nations tournament this fall following the Japanese withdrawal from the competition.

Plans by Six Nations officials to host a one-off eight-team tournament appeared to hit the rocks this week after it was reported that the Japanese would not travel to participate due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Japan, along with Fiji, was supposed to join half a dozen countries in the Six Nations to play in a tournament that would replace traditional November tours, where teams from the southern hemisphere visit those from the north.

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Laporte confirmed that Japan will not be one of the Eight Nations, but also revealed that the World Championship Springboks could take their place.

“The Japanese will not come to Europe, he told us. 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 the title, but it’s not done yet, “he said Progress in France.

The plan was for two groups of four, giving each country three group matches before a single round of finals took place on the first weekend of December.

Group 1 would reportedly be made up of England, Ireland, Fiji and Wales, while Japan would join Scotland, Italy and France in Group 2. The addition of the Springboks to the Eight Nations tournament would certainly be a great one. attractive to fans.

Georgia, which has been knocking on the door of the Six Nations for years, is also a possibility to replace the Japanese in the eight-team tournament, but would likely be surprised by South Africa, if a deal can be negotiated.

Springbok’s participation would cast further doubt on his own participation in the Rugby Championship.

Former Rugby World Cup coach Jake White questioned the Springboks’ participation in the Rugby Championship. The Bulls ‘Director of Rugby White, in his weekly’ No Holds Barred ‘interview series on the Bulls’ social media apps, hinted that the Boks might not be involved in the Rugby Championship.

He has asked what his plans are for player rotation and injury coverage and said he will review the schedule and make evaluations before deciding on a strategy.

“There was a feeling that the Springboks were going to play [in the Rugby Championship] abroad, “White said. “That has not been confirmed either.”

“Could it be that [players like] Duane Vermeulen and Trevor Nyakane could be available throughout the Currie Cup season.

“If that’s the case, it has an impact on how you rotate players.”