Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has shared his preference to move the Rugby Championship window to February, at the same time as the Six Nations.
Speaking with media after the announcement of the 2026 Greatest Rivalry tour, where South Africa will host the All Blacks, Erasmus gave his opinion on the Rugby Championship.
“I hope this doesn’t go against SA Rugby’s wishes or the way they’re thinking,” he told reporters.
Rassie Erasmus reveals his rotation secret
Rassie Erasmus reveals his rotation secret
“I don’t want this to be a headline, this is my opinion. But I think it would be fantastic if we could (start) the Rugby Championship in February, when the Six Nations is on.
“It would be so much easier if all the teams were aligned, not having some countries flat in (July) and others are peaking in November and we are flat.”
Playing the Rugby Championship in February would align the Southern Hemisphere international competition with Europe, with South Africa’s clubs already involved on a European calendar.
Due to South Africa’s exodus from Southern Hemisphere club competitions in 2020, their contracted players already play on a European season.
Erasmus said he saw “no reason” why the other nations couldn’t play in February, which is still summer in Australia, Argentina, and New Zealand.
“The law changes or variations would be easier to implement across the board with all the competitions starting at the same time,” he said.
“In my honest opinion, I can’t see a reason why New Zealand, Argentina and Australia can’t play that competition at the same time as the Six Nations.
“There might be a big thing that I’m missing here. I’m just naming a few things; I’m not saying that’s the solution.”