BOKS LINED UP FOR NEW RUGBY EVENT
SOUTH Africa are locked in talks to join this autumn’s Eight Nations tournament, says France powerbroker Bernard Laporte.
A place in the one-off competition has become vacant following Japan’s withdrawal due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And while Georgia were expected to take Japan’s place, Six Nations vice-president Laporte has revealed the Springboks are in advanced negotiations to be parachuted in.
Having the world champions on board would give extra gravitas to a competition already featuring the Six Nations sides plus Fiji.
Wales are set to play in Pool One alongside England, Ireland and Fiji. South Africa would participate in Pool Two, next to France, Scotland and Italy.
The games are due to be played in November, with a December 5 Twickenham final between the two group winners and play-off matches with the other sides.
Two of Wales’ matches are likely to be classed as ‘home’ fixtures – England and Fiji – even though the Principality Stadium is out of bounds, with a trip to Dublin also pencilled in.
No official announcement has yet been made for the tournament, and the potential involvement of the Springboks will put that back further as negotiations continue.
But Laporte told a French website: “The Japanese will not come to Europe. 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, but it’s not yet done.”
Georgia are also hoping to play in the tournament, but Six Nations bosses know the presence of the world champions will bring greater appeal.
There have been claims the pools are too lopsided, with Wales in the much stronger group. However, South Africa’s involvement at the expense of Japan would change that and give the two groups a far more even feel.
Wales are still looking to work out where to play their autumn games. No venue has yet been announced for the rearranged Six Nations clash with Scotland.
Negotiations are also continuing over where the planned England and Fiji Eight Nations matches would take place.
Wales have been locked in talks with Twickenham, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham about using their grounds.
However, it is also possible the fixtures will take place behind closed doors in Wales. If so, Parc y Scarlets in Llanelli would be the most likely destination.