Rassie Erasmus: Springboks boss says joining the Six Nations ‘would be awesome’

The Springboks are currently committed to the Rugby Championship for the next few years but there have been rumours that they are set to move north.

It was reported last month that the Boks were going to replace Italy in the competition but that was quickly quashed by the Six Nations organisers.

South Africa have gradually aligned themselves with the northern hemisphere over recent times, with their four franchises – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – joining the United Rugby Championship.

The next step would be to include them in Europe’s annual international tournament and Erasmus believes that it would benefit Springbok rugby.

“Just remember this is purely my own personal opinion,” Erasmus told the Daily Mail. “I don’t need to get myself into any more trouble!

“I’ve always been a massive fan of the Six Nations. Murrayfield is awesome, the Aviva is awesome, Twickenham is awesome. I love the atmosphere and their rich tradition of singing.

“Speaking from the South African side of the fence, I would love to see the Springboks in the Six Nations. The style of play, the travel and the time zones would all suit South Africa.

“You could fly in overnight on Thursday, play on a Saturday and fly back on Sunday. It would be easy. When we go to Australia or New Zealand, you wake up at 2am and don’t know what day it is!”

Despite Erasmus’ preference to be in the Six Nations, the Boks director of rugby does not hold a grudge against the Rugby Championship and would not agree to it should it significantly impact the sport.

“We are locked in with the Rugby Championship until 2025, so for now it is still hypothetical,” he added.

“Just please don’t mistake this for me saying the Rugby Championship is bad. I love New Zealand, I love