Will the Springboks Join the Six Nations? Decision Now Confirmed

Friday, 15 May 2026 at 17:06

bySteven Smith

Rassie Erasmus poured cold water on any hopes of the Springboks joining the Six Nations, insisting the northern hemisphere isn’t ready – and maybe never will be.

The reigning world champions currently battle it out in the Rugby Championship with New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, but there have been persistent whispers about a seismic shift to Europe’s premier competition.

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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.”

Support from high places:

Sir Ian McGeechan had been one of the most prominent voices in favour of South Africa joining the Six Nations, arguing that the competition should expand into a “Seven Nations.”

McGeechan wrote that:

“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.”

2027 Six Nations Fixtures Confirmed: England Given Nightmare Start

Round 1

The championship begins with a heavyweight clash between Ireland and England in Dublin, while Scotland host Italy and France face Wales in Paris in an opening weekend packed with early title implications.

Ireland v England – 20:10, February 5
Scotland v Italy – 14:10, February 6
France v Wales – 16:40, February 6

Round 2

Ireland travel to Italy aiming to maintain momentum, Scotland and Wales meet in a closely matched contest at Murrayfield, and England host France in the latest edition of “Le Crunch”.

Italy v Ireland – 14:10, February 13
Scotland v Wales – 16:40, February 13
England v France – 15:10, February 14

Round 3

Wales welcome Ireland to Cardiff in one of the toughest fixtures of the tournament, England face Italy at Twickenham, and France take on Scotland in an attacking showdown in Paris.

Wales v Ireland – 14:10, February 20
England v Italy – 16:40, February 20
France v Scotland – 15:10, February 21

Round 4

Scotland host Ireland in a potentially decisive Friday night encounter, France travel to Italy looking to stay in contention, and Wales renew their fierce rivalry with England in Cardiff.

Scotland v Ireland – 20:10, March 5
Italy v France – 14:10, March 6
Wales v England – 16:40, March 6

Round 5 – Super Saturday (March 13)

Italy and Wales open the final day before England and Scotland compete for the Calcutta Cup, with Ireland and France closing the championship in a match that could decide the title.

Italy v Wales – 14:10
England v Scotland – 16:40
Ireland v France – 20:10

The stage is set for another classic Six Nations campaign, with historic rivalries, passionate home crowds and the promise of drama from the opening whistle in Dublin to the final showdown on Super Saturday.