Rugby legend Sir Ian McGeechan has spoken out about expanding the Six Nations to include a seventh team, with the Springboks being a key part of his vision.

The Springboks in the Six Nations: Could It Happen?

It was reported back in 2022 that the Springboks were in talks to join the northern hemisphere’s Six Nations in 2026. Despite fan calls for relegation to be introduced to the competition, McGeechan argues that it would be better to add the world champions and keep the current closed-shop format.

South Africa’s Shift to the Northern Hemisphere

South Africa’s top rugby teams—Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers—are no longer competing in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter competition. Since 2021, they’ve joined the United Rugby Championship (URC), following in the footsteps of the Southern Kings and Cheetahs who made the move in 2017.

McGeechan’s Bold Vision for the Future

“The obvious next step is for some sort of integrated season which sees the Springboks join the Six Nations to make it the Seven Nations,” wrote McGeechan.

“Financially it is in the interests of everyone, and it will also be beneficial in terms of raising standards for England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Italy.”

McGeechan also pointed out that this idea could generate excitement among fans, referencing the success of the British and Irish Lions tours. “The example of the British and Irish Lions shows it also has the potential to be embraced by supporters as well, with fans travelling down to South Africa for a long weekend.”

“I have to admit that I’m biased and that it’s a prospect which excites me. I love South African rugby, and think it brings so much to the game. I’d love to see those links grow stronger still, although I can imagine it’s not a prospect that will be greeted enthusiastically in Auckland and Sydney.”

Six Nations Blocks the Boks’ Entry

Despite McGeechan’s enthusiasm, Six Nations organisers have since denied the possibility of expanding to a Seven Nations. However, speculation continued about the Springboks joining the competition.

The Boks Staying in the Rugby Championship

Reports from Rapport reveal that the Springboks moving from the Rugby Championship to the Six Nations is “no longer on the table,” mainly due to stalled negotiations between CVC Capital Partners and SA Rugby.

CVC’s Rugby Investments

CVC Capital Partners, which has invested heavily in rugby over the years, struck a £365m deal with the Six Nations in 2021. They also poured £230m into Premiership Rugby and bought a £120m stake in what was then known as the PRO14, which became the United Rugby Championship with the addition of South African franchises.

British & Irish Lions WAG’s

Here’s a look at some of the partners of the England, Irish and Scottish stars likely to be packing their passports — and maybe a Lions bucket hat or two…

Scotland:

Nika van der Merwe – Married to the Big Man (Duhan van der Merwe)

Nika and powerhouse wing Duhan van der Merwe tied the knot in sunny South Africa back in January 2023. She turned heads in a chic fitted gown with a thigh-high split, topped off with a glam studded cape — a wedding as bold as Duhan’s sidestep.

Emma Canning – Heptathlete and Super Mum (Finn Russell)

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Emma and magician-in-boots Finn Russell, but the pair are back stronger than ever and now proud parents to two daughters: Charlie and Skye.

Emma knows the pressure of elite sport first-hand — she’s a heptathlete, battling across seven gruelling events. Now she balances it all with family life and Finn’s erratic brilliance.

Annabel Jones – Puppy Love and Ibiza Vibes (Huw Jones)

Huw Jones and Annabel said “I do” in Ibiza back in July 2022 after meeting in Glasgow. Huw’s not afraid to show his romantic side, often calling Annabel his “everything.”

When an injury sidelined him during the 2019 Six Nations, she bought him a fluffy Maltese poodle named Louis — his furry lockdown lifesaver.

Dina Celina – Nutrition Queen and Future Mrs Kinghorn (Blair Kinghorn)

Blair Kinghorn popped the question to nutritionist Dina during a dreamy weekend at Gleneagles in 2023 — wedding bells will ring this August after the tour wraps.

The couple made an appearance in Six Nations: Full Contact on Netflix, with viewers spotting Blair stepping in at fly-half when Finn Russell was sidelined. Dina’s backstage support? Rock solid.

Ireland:

Ellen Ringrose – The Childhood Sweetheart (Garry Ringrose)

Garry Ringrose and Ellen Beirne tied the knot in June 2023 at the dreamy Virginia Park Lodge in Cavan.

Speaking to EVOKE, the Irish centre couldn’t stop gushing: “Ellen is the best… she’s a huge support, especially in the not-so-good times.” Childhood sweethearts to power couple status achieved.

Katherine Egan – Medicine, Hockey, and Sheehan’s No.1 (Dan Sheehan)

Dan Sheehan’s long-term girlfriend Katherine Egan is as accomplished as they come. A hockey player for UCD and a Medicine student — she’s got brains, brawn, and ambition to spare.
She’s even studied in the U.S., proving she’s just as at home overseas as Dan might be on tour.

Sophie de Patoul – Castle Wedding Royalty (Josh van der Flier)

Josh van der Flier married his Belgian/Irish partner Sophie in a fairytale 2022 wedding at Luttrellstown Castle.

The flanker popped the question in July 2021, and Sophie’s been in the crowd (and the camera shots) at many big Ireland games ever since.

Harriet Beirne – Welsh Beauty with an Irish Base (Tadhg Beirne)

Tadhg met Harriet on a night out in Cardiff back in 2018, and after a bit of long distance, the couple settled down in Ireland.

They tied the knot at Kilkea Castle in 2022, and just bought a new home together, with Harriet teasing “exciting and most likely stressful times ahead” in 2025. Big year incoming!

Kayla Aki – Mum of Four and Bundee’s Rock (Bundee Aki)

Bundee Aki and wife Kayla have one of the most established relationships in the Ireland camp. Married in 2018, the couple share four children: daughters Armani-Jade, Adrianna, and Ailbhe (born at home in 2022), and son Andronikas.

England:

Beth Dolling – Singer, Model, and Marcus’s No.1 Fan (Marcus Smith)

Fly-half Marcus Smith is dating Beth Dolling, a 25-year-old singer and model who’s worked with major brands like PrettyLittleThing and built up a sizeable social following.

She’s often snapped in glammed-up couples’ pics with Marcus, and one heartfelt post said it all: “No matter what, watching you do what you love doing makes me so proud.”

They’ve been Instagram official since June 2021, and with Beth’s fashion flair, expect some serious style moments down under.

Mimi Fall – The Future Mrs Itoje (Maro Itoje)

Mimi Fall is officially engaged to Lions veteran Maro Itoje after a jaw-dropping proposal during a holiday to Nigeria and Ghana. Mimi shared the news with a snap of her rock and the caption: “Mrs I to be.”

A professional model herself, Mimi’s been teasing fans with glimpses of the engagement party – though the wedding date remains on hold thanks to Maro’s jam-packed Lions schedule. Priorities, eh?

Ashleigh Inwood – Five Years Strong with Freeman (Tommy Freeman)

Northampton flier Tommy Freeman has been dating Ashleigh Inwood for over five years. They now share a home near Northampton and a future that looks just as promising as Tommy’s England career.

Freeman recently posted a loved-up tribute: “Five years. Forever grateful for your support.”
But don’t worry — there’s still room in his heart for Fin Smith. Tommy joked to MailOnline: “Our girlfriends aren’t happy because they think we like each other more than them!”

Nancy Neath – Design Star with an Eye for Decor (Will Stuart)

Prop Will Stuart’s girlfriend Nancy Neath is a creative talent in her own right, running a successful table and floral design business that’s got serious aesthetic game.

The couple moved in together in 2023, though not without hiccups. Will revealed: “My girlfriend chose a new mattress — it’s too soft. I’ve ended up on the floor a few times tucked in a duvet.” Rugby tackles are rough, but love is tougher.

Michelle Daly – From School Romance to Family Life (Elliot Daly)

Elliot Daly married longtime love Michelle in 2021 after years together and one perfectly timed proposal. The pair have now welcomed a daughter, Orla, born in July 2024.

Elliot summed it up sweetly on their anniversary: “One month ago today, I got to marry my soulmate. 10 years of knowing each other, 4 years engaged, and now finally married. My Wife.”
They’ve gone from teenage sweethearts to one of England rugby’s power couples.

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2

If you’re over 30 and can’t name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it’s time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.

From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we’d rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby’s golden era. If the names don’t come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.

Think you’ve got what it takes to ace this one? Let’s find out. Good luck!