A bombshell report in the Daily Mail says South Africa will follow the money and join the Six Nations after the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The newspaper has quoted a source saying, "Things are falling nicely into place", and that the Rugby World Cup winners will join the European tournament in 2024, turning it into the 'Seven Nations' with Italy set to keep its place.
Such a move would have dire consequences for New Zealand rugby, although details in the report were vague and did not explain how South Africa would get out of its existing obligations to Sanzaar.
Stuff.co.nz reports it is understood South Africa has already committed to remain as part of Sanzaar until 2025.
New Zealand Rugby and Sky Sports recently signed a new broadcast deal for the 2021-2025 period, with Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship to continue during that time.
Two South Africa teams, the Cheetahs and the Kings, already play in the Pro14 tournament in Europe.
South Africa has a long rivalry with New Zealand and the All Blacks but, eventually, money talks and interest in Super Rugby has been declining in South Africa for a number of years.
If South Africa does join the Six Nations, New Zealand and Australia are likely to turn to Japan as a partner as they attempt to find the money to stop what could be an exodus of coaches and players to the European game.
[Source:Daily Mail/Stuff.co.nz]
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