South Africa won’t be replacing Italy at Six Nations tournament: Organisers

The organisers of Rugby’s Six Nations confirmed in a statement on Friday that there are no intentions to modify the players, despite media rumors that South Africa may replace Italy in the event.
South Africa is keen to re-align with northern hemisphere rugby, according to the Daily Mail, and will enter the Six Nations in 2025 at the expense of Italy.
That story, however, was refuted.
“Six Nations Rugby, which consists of the six Unions and Federations as well as the CVC, wishes to confirm that they are not entertaining any discussions or formulating any plans to add or replace any participating Union,” the statement stated.
“All its energy is focused on the current strategic discussions regarding the July and November international windows and structure of the global season, and to ensure a positive outcome for the development of the game.”
Italy’s 33-0 defeat by England in Rome last weekend extended their losing streak to 34 in the Six Nations, a run that stretches back to 2015. They face Ireland in Dublin next Sunday.
Former Italy captain and current head coach of Benetton Treviso Marco Bortolami warned that bringing in South Africa would have severe consequences for rugby in the country.
“It would be a disaster,” Bortolami told the Daily Telegraph.
“For exposure, the Six Nations has always been the highlight of the season for Italian rugby.
“If you want to kill rugby in Italy that would be the best way to do it.”

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