Sanzaar has confirmed that the Springboks have recommitted to the Rugby Championship for the next 10 years after pulling out of this year’s tournament.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic meant that SA Rugby decided not to send the Springboks to Australia for this year’s Rugby Championship, which has now become a Tri-Nations series with Argentina and New Zealand.

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With SA Rugby in talks to move its franchises to an expanded PRO16, there have been reports that the Springboks could also look for entry into the Six Nations, which would be more aligned with South Africa’s timezone.

However, Sanzaar has confirmed that all four member unions have committed to staying together until 2030.

The Rugby Championship will be restructured to include a 12-match format with teams playing each other on a home or away basis through the new mini-tour match schedule that was adopted in 2019.

‘The recommitment by the four unions to the long-term future of the international game is an important start as we embark in a new direction for both the unions and the organisation over the coming years,’ Sanzaar CEO Andy Marinos said.

‘This is the first of a number of announcements that will be made over the coming weeks and months as we continue to plan into 2021 and beyond. The disruption during 2020 has been significant, however, despite the numerous setbacks and the inherent complexity of our vast geographical expanse, we have managed to keep the game alive and look forward to the remainder of the revised Tri-Nations to bring the curtain down on the 2020 season.

‘There are some exciting times ahead for rugby in the southern hemisphere as we look to reposition our structure, competitions and future direction as an organisation.’

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Photo: EPA/Jan Touzeau