SA could play in both hemispheres, insists ex-skipper de Villiers

FORMER Springboks skipper Jean de Villiers has opened up the debate over the 2019 world champions joining the Six Nations by suggesting they could play in the Rugby Championship as well as the blue riband European event.

South Africa joining the Six Nations has been a hot topic in the last few months ever since reports surfaced that Springboks chiefs were in talks with their northern hemisphere counterparts about joining up with Wales, England, Ireland, France, Scotland and Italy after the 2023 World Cup.

A Six Nations spokesman played down the reports and the claims were rubbished in the southern hemisphere with New Zealand Rugby chief Mark Robinson saying the ‘Boks were contracted with Sanzaar through broadcast deals until 2025.

But 109-times capped South African skipper de Villiers believes the Springboks could play in a newly-expanded ‘Seven Nations’ while honouring their Rugby Championship commitments with Argentina, the All Blacks and Australia later on in the year.

Writing in the SA Rugby magazine de Villiers, one of his country’s best players, said: “There’s been a lot of debate around the possibility of the Springboks joining a ‘Seven Nations’ tournament.

“The idea has been shot down by a lot of officials and critics in both hemispheres.

“I’ve been fascinated by the debate. Why shouldn’t we consider creative ideas that have the potential to boost and improve the global product?

“From a South African point of view, I would like to see SA Rugby putting South Africa’s interests first. Whether they decide to move north or remain committed to Sanzaar, they must consider what is best for South African rugby in the long run.

“If the Boks can add value to an expanded tournament, why shouldn’t they join the party? If the move will benefit SA Rugby and the players from a financial point of view, and if there is a healthy South African support base in the UK and Europe, why shouldn’t SA Rugby give the move serious consideration?

“A lot of people have suggested South Africa would have to cut ties with Sanzaar to join a ‘Seven Nations’ tournament.

“I don’t see why South Africa would have to pull the ‘Boks from the Rugby Championship or all its teams from the Super Rugby competition.

“The Boks could compete in a Seven Nations during the months of February and March, and then feature in the Rugby Championship later in the year.”