Six Nations Expansion: Verdict Revealed on South Africa Joining the Tournament

Sunday, 19 October 2025 at 09:49

byRugby Rucker

— he still struggles to deliver more than half a game of consistent impact.

Rassie Erasmus has squashed any lingering rumours that South Africa could be eyeing a dramatic move into the Six Nations.

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The Springboks currently compete in the Rugby Championship alongside New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, but whispers of a potential switch north have persisted for several years — especially after their back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs.

Adding the 2023 world champions to Europe’s most prestigious international tournament would have shaken up rugby’s traditional order in a major way. But for now, it seems the dream of a seven-team Six Nations remains firmly on ice.

Erasmus pours cold water on Six Nations talk

Speaking candidly, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus dismissed the idea that South Africa could soon be packing their bags for the northern hemisphere.

"Us joining the Six Nations, I’m not sure how that sits with other people," he explained. "We admire the competition and when I was at Munster I realised how big it is.

"For me, having been there for 18 months or so, I’m not sure if the Six Nations and northern hemisphere would want us in there. There are a lot of traditions that are a little bit more valuable than us just fitting in and thinking we can just go into a competition that has a hell of a lot of heritage, so I’m not sure what the answer is there."

Erasmus’ comments effectively end any short-term speculation of a blockbuster Six Nations expansion, with tradition and logistics both proving major stumbling blocks.

Talks were held — but the deal stalled

Reports from South African outlet Rapport last year claimed that preliminary talks had taken place about the Springboks switching tournaments.

However, CVC Capital Partners — the private equity firm with a significant stake in the Six Nations — reportedly didn’t give the green light for discussions to progress.

Without that financial and structural backing, the proposed expansion quickly lost momentum.

Five Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV

South Africa, fresh from winning the Rugby Championship, and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.

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2025 World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Wilco Louw (South Africa— Tight-head Prop)

It was always destined to be a man in green, and we reckon ‘Quadzilla’ just edged out his teammate Thomas du Toit. Taniela Tupou can be electric on his day, but the key words are on his day

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Juan Cruz Mallia (Argentina)

Most metres made, third-most defenders beaten, third-most offloads, and just one aerial spill from 29 takes during the Rugby Championship — Juan Cruz Mallia was immense. As vital for Los Pumas as he is for Stade Toulousain, the Argentine fullback remains one of world rugby’s most underrated stars.