Sir Ian McGeechan delivers his verdict on Springboks joining the men's Six Nations

Monday, 24 March 2025 at 11:48

byRugby Rucker

Rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan has spoken out about expanding the Six Nations to include a seventh team, with the Springboks being a key part of his vision.

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The Springboks in the Six Nations: Could It Happen?

It was reported back in 2022 that the Springboks were in talks to join the northern hemisphere’s Six Nations in 2025. Despite fan calls for relegation to be introduced to the competition, McGeechan argues that it would be better to add the world champions and keep the current closed-shop format.

South Africa’s Shift to the Northern Hemisphere

South Africa’s top rugby teams—Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers—are no longer competing in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter competition. Since 2021, they’ve joined the United Rugby Championship (URC), following in the footsteps of the Southern Kings and Cheetahs who made the move in 2017.

McGeechan's Bold Vision for the Future

"The obvious next step is for some sort of integrated season which sees the Springboks join the Six Nations to make it the Seven Nations," wrote McGeechan. "Financially it is in the interests of everyone, and it will also be beneficial in terms of raising standards for England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy."

McGeechan also pointed out that this idea could generate excitement among fans, referencing the success of the British and Irish Lions tours. "The example of the British and Irish Lions shows it also has the potential to be embraced by supporters as well, with fans travelling down to South Africa for a long weekend."

“I have to admit that I'm biased and that it's a prospect which excites me. I love South African rugby, and think it brings so much to the game. I'd love to see those links grow stronger still, although I can imagine it's not a prospect that will be greeted enthusiastically in Auckland and Sydney.”

Six Nations Blocks the Boks' Entry

Despite McGeechan’s enthusiasm, Six Nations organisers have since denied the possibility of expanding to a Seven Nations. However, speculation continued about the Springboks joining the competition.

The Boks Staying in the Rugby Championship

Reports from Rapport reveal that the Springboks moving from the Rugby Championship to the Six Nations is "no longer on the table," mainly due to stalled negotiations between CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby.

CVC's Rugby Investments

CVC Capital Partners, which has invested heavily in rugby over the years, struck a £365m deal with the Six Nations in 2021.

15 England Stars Make Our Lions Squad for Australia Tour

With the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour just around the corner, speculation is ramping up about who will get the nod for the three-Test series against Australia.

Andy Farrell will announce his squad live from the O2 Arena in London on May 8th, 2025, and we’ve taken a stab at selecting the best possible 36-man squad for the tour.

OUR 2025 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS SQUAD

Here’s a breakdown of who makes the cut, with 15 England stars included in our strongest lineup.

Props

Andrew Porter (Ireland)

Ellis Genge (England) – The 'Baby Rhino' brings his trademark aggression and scrummaging power.

Pierre Schoemann (Scotland)

Kyle Sinckler (England) – A veteran of the 2021 tour, Sinckler’s experience will be vital.

Tadhg Furlong (Ireland)

Will Stuart (England) – The powerful tighthead earns his spot after a consistent season.

Hookers

Dan Sheehan (Ireland) – The standout Irish hooker is almost a certainty.

Dewi Lake (Wales)

Jamie George (England) – Lions experience and leadership make him a vital inclusion.

Locks

Maro Itoje (England) – One of the first names on the team sheet.

Joe McCarthy (Ireland) – The young enforcer could be a game-changer.

Ollie Chessum (England) – A rising star, providing dynamism and lineout excellence.

Dafydd Jenkins (Wales)

Tadhg Beirne (Ireland)

George Martin (England) – Physicality and work rate give him the edge.

Back Row

Josh van der Flier (Ireland) – World-class breakdown presence.

Ben Curry (England) – Edges into contention with his relentless tackling and breakdown work.

Tom Curry (England) – A Lions veteran whose pedigree speaks for itself.

Caelan Doris (Ireland) – A guaranteed starter.

Ben Earl (England) – One of the most explosive players in the Premiership this season.

Jack Willis (England) – His form for Toulouse has been outstanding.

Scrum-halves

Jamison Gibson-Park (Ireland)

Alex Mitchell (England) – Slick distribution and speed make him a real threat.

Ben White (Scotland)

Out-halves

Finn Russell (Scotland) – The magician with the golden touch.

Fin Smith (England) – England’s rising star earns his place.

Sam Prendergast (Ireland) – Future Irish fly-half maestro.

Centres

Bundee Aki (Ireland) – A wrecking ball in midfield.

Huw Jones (Scotland)

Owen Farrell (England) – His experience and leadership could prove invaluable.

Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland)

Back Three

Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland) – A try-scoring machine.

Tommy Freeman (England) – Versatility and pace make him an asset.

James Lowe (Ireland)

Darcy Graham (Scotland) – Electric feet and finishing ability.

Blair Kinghorn (Scotland) – Provides utility value and composure.

Hugo Keenan (Ireland) – Almost certain to be the starting fullback.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (England) – The young speedster could light up the tour.

Why These England Stars Make the Cut

After reviewing the squad, 15 England players make the squad, not just eight as initially suggested. Here’s a closer look at those making the journey to Australia:

Ellis Genge – Loosehead prop with aggression and power.
Kyle Sinckler – Experienced tighthead who thrives on the big stage.
Will Stuart – Strong scrummager who adds depth at tighthead.
Jamie George – Experienced hooker with Lions pedigree.
Maro Itoje – An automatic selection with his world-class performances.
Ollie Chessum – Dynamic and athletic, perfect for the Lions.
George Martin – Physical and uncompromising in defence.
Ben Curry – Relentless tackler and breakdown specialist.
Tom Curry – Established Lions veteran with proven class.
Ben Earl – Explosive ball carrier and Premiership standout.
Alex Mitchell – Offers tempo and flair at scrum-half.
Fin Smith – The young playmaker has shown composure beyond his years.
Owen Farrell – His leadership and ability to control a game are unmatched.
Tommy Freeman – A versatile back three option with pace and power.
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso – The electric winger who has lit up the Premiership.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro British & Irish Lions rugby players

Rugby history runs deep, and the British & Irish Lions have produced some of the most iconic players to ever grace the pitch. But can you spot a Lions legend from a lineup?

Test your knowledge with this quiz! For each question, we’ll give you three possible answers—only one is correct.

Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this retro challenge? Let’s find out!