JUST IN:Springboks Six Nations verdict revealed
Springboks hopes of joining the Six Nations has been revealed as financial muscle is at play. Here is the latest!
Springboks Six Nations verdict revealed, according to ruck.co.uk .
South Africa’s much-discussed move to the Six Nations tournament has hit a serious roadblock, throwing a wrench in plans for the Springboks to join Europe’s premier rugby competition. Despite rumours suggesting the 2023 Rugby World Cup champions were eyeing a spot in the Northern Hemisphere’s elite tournament, recent reports from South African outlet Rapport reveal that discussions have come to an abrupt halt.
A reliable source confirmed that any hope of the Springboks joining the Six Nations before 2030 has been dashed. “There have been discussions for the Boks to play in the Six Nations, but that’s not going to happen anymore – or at least not before 2030 or even after,” the source said. This statement puts to rest speculation about South Africa’s immediate move to the Six Nations, leaving the Springboks anchored in their current Rugby Championship setup for the foreseeable future.
Real reason Springboks Six Nations ambition stalls
The primary reason behind the stalled talks? A breakdown in negotiations with CVC Capital Partners, the private equity firm that holds a significant stake in the Six Nations following their £365 million investment in 2021. Without CVC’s approval, South Africa’s entry into the tournament is effectively off the table, as they hold the key to any potential expansion of the Six Nations.
For now, the Springboks will continue their rivalry with New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina in the Rugby Championship, maintaining their Southern Hemisphere dominance. The Six Nations may have been the dream, but it seems the current reality sees South Africa staying put for the time being, focusing on its traditional rivals in the Rugby Championship.
South Africa looks West: New investment talks
While the Six Nations dream is on ice, South Africa may be shifting its focus elsewhere. Reports suggest that SA Rugby has entered into discussions with Ackerley Partners, an American investment company, in search of a new financial boost. This move could help bolster South African rugby’s financial standing, potentially leading to a fresh strategy for the Springboks in the future.
The dream of South Africa joining the Six Nations may not be over, but it’s certainly on pause. With the negotiations stalling and CVC Capital Partners standing in the way, the Springboks will need to wait for the right conditions before taking the leap to Europe. In the meantime, SA Rugby seems to be exploring new avenues to secure financial growth and rugby dominance.
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The Springboks could put 50 points on them, says Aussie David Campese on Wales ‘horror show’
Wales will be no match for the Springboks when the sides meet in Cardiff on Saturday, according to Australian rugby legend David Campese.
The match kicks off at 7.40pm SA time.
The Springboks beat England (29-20) and Scotland (32-15) over the last two weeks of their November tour, with Wales widely regarded as their weakest opponent.
The World Rugby rankings also back that up, as Wales find themselves way down in 11th while the Springboks hold top spot.
Not going to be pretty
Speaking to Vision4Sport, who offer hospitality packages for rugby’s most iconic events, Campese said: “It could be a horror show. The Springboks could easily put another 50 points on them and batter them. It is not going to be pretty.”
Talking about the World Rugby Awards, with three Springboks up for Men’s 15s Player of the Year which will be held on Sunday in Monaco, Campese believed Eben Etzebeth should walk away with the top prize. Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit have also been nominated in the same category.
“The player of the year has got to come from the best team. The Springboks are by far the best in the world. They’re so good that they could put out five teams which could hold their own against anyone.
“To my mind it has to be Etzebeth. As a forward in the middle of the scrum to do what he does week in week out is phenomenal.”
“What a player, what a great player! He is just getting better. He is a great entertainer and the best thing about him is that he is not 120 kilograms! He provides such flair and excitement.”
Campese went on to say that young children would be inspired by the performances of Etzebeth, and that would help with the next generation of rugby players.