Bernard Laporte, vice chairman of World Rugby, has revealed that South Africa could possibly replace Japan instead of Georgia.
The European side had been tipped to replace Japan, who have now officially withdrawn from the proposed end of year Eight Nations Tournament.
However, World Rugby are keen to get a ‘bigger name’ into the tournament.
I’ve been told the rumours about the Springboks joining the 8-team event in Europe this autumn are ‘hogwash’. Aren’t they supposed to be part of TRC at that time? Not sure about Laporte agenda but Georgia more likely to replace Japan, in pool with Fra/Ita/Sco.
— Chris Foy (@FoyChris) August 30, 2020
“The Japanese will not come to Europe, he said. 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 Springboks, world champions, in the title, but it’s not yet done.”
Group 1 was reportedly to consist of England, Ireland, Fiji and Wales, while Japan were set to join Scotland, Italy and France in Group 2.
The Springbok involvement would cast further doubt on their own involvement in the Rugby Championship.
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