The Springboks are being wooed to replace Japan in an Eight Nations tournament in Europe, threatening their place in the planned Rugby Championship in New Zealand.
The two competitions at either end of the world are set to run around the same time with the Rugby Championship tentatively scheduled to start on November 7 and the Eight Nations on November 14.
Japan was set to join Fiji alongside the traditional Six Nations teams in a northern tournament but have pulled out because of Covid-19 restrictions affecting their buildup.
Six Nations vice-president Bernard Laporte has revealed that the world champion Springboks are in “advanced talks” to replace Japan in that tournament which would involve two pools of four teams.
“The Japanese will not come to Europe. We are looking for a nation to replace them. We are in advanced talks with South Africa. It would be great to be able to face the Springboks, world champions, but it’s not yet done,” Laporte told Le Progress in France.
Laporte’s announcement implies that the Boks may not play in the Rugby Championship, annual tournament that is set to be held solely in New Zealand this year where the coronavirus pandemic is having the least effects.
The Springboks have only just been told they can resume training with rugby being on hold there throughout the winter while New Zealand and Australia have held domestic Super Rugby championships.
The rush is now on to get the Springboks match-ready.
