Damian de Allende says he hopes the Springboks don’t move away from the unique challenge of playing in the Rugby Championship anytime soon amid links of a switch to the Six Nations.

Speculation has been rife over the past few months that the Springboks could ditch the Sanzaar partnership to join Europe’s elite.

Despite committing to Sanzaar and the Rugby Championship until at least the end of 2024, suggestions are that the door is still open for the Springboks to join the Six Nations in 2025.

The Springboks have been involved in the southern-hemisphere tournament since it was first formed as the Tri-Nations in 1996, claiming their first title in 1998. Their rivalry with the All Blacks is a highlight of the Test calendar, as the two teams have a history going back to 1921.

Speaking during a Munster media conference this week, De Allende was quizzed about a potential move away from the Rugby Championship.

“I really enjoy playing against New Zealand, Australia and Argentina,” the centre was quoted as saying by the Irish Mirror.

“We’ve been playing against them for 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.

“So, yeah, I don’t know. Maybe in the future it will change but not anytime soon, I hope. I enjoy playing against those guys.”

De Allende is not the only high-profile player to think that the Springboks should remain in the southern-hemisphere tournament, with former and current All Blacks – including Patrick Tuipulotu, Bryn Hall and Sean Fitzpatrick – and even Springbok teammate Pieter-Steph du Toit all in sync with the centre’s opinion.

“A lot of us South Africans that are playing in Europe at the moment are lucky enough to play 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,” De Allende added.

“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.

“Obviously, I was a bit sad, I felt a bit sorry for Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones but that happens in rugby.

“But, yeah, I would like South Africa to stay in the Rugby Championship.”

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