De Allende does not want Boks to join Six Nations

SPOTLIGHT: Springbok centre Damian de Allende does not want South Africa to join the Six Nations anytime soon.

Speculation has been rife in recent months – and years – about the future of South African rugby, with various reports suggesting the reigning world champions are in line to move away from SANZAAR and the Rugby Championship to join Europe’s elite.

South Africa’s four franchises – the Bulls, Lions, Sharks and Stormers – have already left Super Rugby to join what is now known as the United Rugby Championship, formerly the Pro14.

However, De Allende, who announced that he is leaving Munster at the end of the season, doesn’t want to see the Springboks leave the Rugby Championship.

“I really enjoy playing against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina,” De Allende told Irish media this week.

“We’ve been playing against them quite a while and we’ve played against a lot of club teams in Super Rugby as well and I think that competition’s a whole different challenge.

“Maybe in the future it will change but not anytime soon, I hope. I enjoy playing against those guys.”

#⃣ICYMI @Munsterrugby‘s @Springboks has comfirmed he is leaving the #Irish province at the end of the season …#Rugby 🏉#RugbyUnion🌐
🔗https://t.co/TRLyuIbNv2

— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) March 30, 2022

De Allende said South African players are getting the best of both worlds at the moment.

“I think a lot of us South Africans that are playing in Europe at the moment are lucky enough to playing against the best players in Europe and then we also get to play against the best players in the Southern Hemisphere, which are New Zealand, Australia and Argentina.

“So, I wouldn’t like anything to change at the moment.

“I think the Six Nations this year was incredible and it was lovely to watch.

“All the teams played some great rugby and it was lovely to see Italy get a win at the end of it. But yeah, I would like South Africa to stay in the Rugby Championship.”

Source: Irish Mirror and The 42