Six Nations Makes 'Final Decision' on South Africa Joining Six Nations

Monday, 26 January 2026 at 07:02

bySteven Smith

Rassie Erasmus has shut down talk of the Springboks joining the Six Nations, suggesting the northern hemisphere isn’t ready for South Africa – and may never be.

The world champions currently compete in the Rugby Championship alongside New Zealand, Australia and Argentina, but speculation has refused to go away over a potential switch to Europe’s elite tournament.

However, according to Rapport, those discussions have now collapsed. SA Rugby are understood to have failed to strike a deal with Six Nations investors CVC Capital Partners.

CVC, who play a major financial role in the competition, announced a £365million long-term investment in 2021. With that avenue seemingly closed, reports claim SA Rugby have opened talks with US-based Ackerley Partners, who are considering their own investment into the game.

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The upcoming 2026 Nations Championships introduced by World Rugby makes such a move even more unlikely, adding another layer of complexity to any potential expansion.

It would be a move that sends shockwaves through the rugby world – but Erasmus isn’t buying into the hype.

“Us joining the Six Nations? I’m not sure how that sits with other people,” Erasmus said.
“We admire the competition – when I was at Munster, I saw how big it really is."

While fans might salivate at the idea of South Africa clashing with England, Ireland, or France every year, Erasmus sees a major obstacle – tradition.

“There are a lot of traditions that are more valuable than us just fitting in,” he added.
“This is a competition with deep heritage. I’m not sure if we can just walk in and be accepted.”

? 2026 Six Nations Fixtures: Round-by-Round Guide

ROUND 1

Thursday 5th February 2026
?? France v Ireland
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th February 2026
?? Italy v Scotland
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?️ England v Wales
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

ROUND 2

Saturday 14th February 2026
☘️ Ireland v Italy
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Scotland v England
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 15th February 2026
? Wales v France
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

ROUND 3

Saturday 21st February 2026
?️ England v Ireland
? Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Scotland
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

Sunday 22nd February 2026
?? France v Italy
? Decathlon Arena, Lille
? Kick-off: 3:10pm

ROUND 4

Friday 6th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Wales
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

Saturday 7th March 2026
? Scotland v France
? Murrayfield, Edinburgh
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

?? Italy v England
? Stadio Olimpico, Rome
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

ROUND 5 – Super Saturday

Saturday 14th March 2026
☘️ Ireland v Scotland
? Aviva Stadium, Dublin
? Kick-off: 2:10pm

? Wales v Italy
? Principality Stadium, Cardiff
? Kick-off: 4:40pm

?? France v England
? Venue TBC
? Kick-off: 8:10pm

? England’s Path to Glory

With home fixtures against Wales and Ireland, and a final showdown away in France, England’s route through the 2026 Six Nations Championship is as challenging as it is exciting. Every round offers massive implications for the title race — and fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.