The Springboks should not snub the All Blacks as SA rugby push for Six Nations inclusion

Cape Town - SANZAAR chairman Marcelo Rodriguez acknowledged the fact that there “has been much speculation about the future” of the Rugby Championship, and expressed his delight that the tournament has been confirmed until at least 2025.

That is when the current broadcasting cycle will end, which has seen lots of conjecture about the Springboks joining the Six Nations – either as a replacement for the perennially under-performing Italy, or as an additional team to make it the Seven Nations.

But what is the best outcome for the Boks and SA Rugby going forward? Should they remain in the Rugby Championship, or move over to the Six/Seven Nations?

Well, on the surface, it’s clear that SA Rugby want to move into Europe boots and all. The four main South African franchises – the Bulls, Sharks, Stormers and Lions – are already competing in the United Rugby Championship (URC), having left Super Rugby behind.

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There have been rumours about the Cheetahs – and possibly Griquas and the Pumas – being incorporated into other European competitions in future, although there is nothing concrete at the moment.

So, it would make sense for financial reasons for the Boks to participate in a European tournament as well, as there is big money in Europe, with broadcasting and other commercial deals sure to bring in serious bucks into Mzansi – which could even result in the four local franchises signing top Boks and retaining more senior players instead of losing them to other Euro sides.

But I am a bit wary about totally abandoning the Rugby Championship. It is vital that the Boks are able to take on at least the All Blacks every year, as that rivalry is the true measure of who rules the