Reigning Rugby World Cup champions South Africa could replace Japan in the proposed Eight Nations tournament, according to World Rugby Vice-Chairman Bernard Laporte.
The Eight Nations is a competition mooted to replace the 2020 autumn internationals which have been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Laporte, who spoke to French newspaper Le Progres, said negotiations with South Africa were at an “advanced” stage to have them take part.
“We are in advanced discussions with South Africa. It would be great to be able to face the Springboks, world champions, but it’s not yet done,” he said.
Laporte had confirmed that the 2019 Rugby World Cup hosts and quarterfinalists will not be able to participate in the tournament.
“The Japanese will not come to Europe. We are looking for a nation to replace them,” Laporte said.
South Africa would be expected to be placed in Group B alongside France, Italy and Scotland. Group A is proposed to have England, Fiji, Ireland and Wales.
However, SANZAAR, an alliance of the rugby unions of New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina, dismissed the possibility of the Springboks joining the tournament as “speculation.”
South Africa’s participation in the Eight Nations will likely mean them having to skip this year’s Rugby Championship, which is proposed to be held in New Zealand.
