Springboks to replace Japan in eight-nation 2020 tournament?

Japan’s withdrawal  from the planned eight-nation competition planned for November this year has left a gap which may well be filled by South Africa, reports sarugbymag.co.za.

Former France head coach and now Vice-Chairman of World Rugby, Bernard Laporte, has confirmed that they are currently in negotiations with SA Rugby regarding the possible inclusion of the Springboks into the tournament.

The tournament is set to be divided into two, four-team pools and will commence after the conclusion of the delayed Six Nations.

The Japanese will not come to Europe,’ Laporte told Le Progres.

‘We are looking for a nation to replace them. We are in advanced discussions with South Africa. It would be great to be able to face the world champion Springboks in this championship, but it’s not yet done.’

The Springboks’ participation in a tournament of this nature would, of course, mean that they would have to forgo their involvement in the Rugby Championship, also scheduled for November. There is thus much planning and negotiating to follow before a concrete decision will be reached.