World champions South Africa are being lined up to replace Japan in the end-of-year Eight Nations Tournament.
Speaking with French publication Le Progress, Bernard Laporte, the World Rugby vice-chairman, has said that Japan will not be taking part in the event that is to replace the customary Autumn tours that have been abandoned because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Japanese will not come to Europe. We are looking for a nation to replace them. We are in advanced talks with South Africa. It would be great to be able to face the Springboks, world champions. in the title, but it’s not yet done," he said.
If South Africa are admitted, the world champions are likely to fill the void in group two that's currently going to be contested by Scotland, Italy and France.
Elsewhere, group one is expected to be comprised of England, Wales, Ireland and Fiji.
Georgia are also considered to be a possibility to replace the Japanese in the eight-team tournament, but South Africa is the preferential team, if a deal can be brokered.
The Eight Nations tournament is set to start on November 14th following the conclusion of this season’s delayed Six Nations.
The pool winners are scheduled to face-off in a final at Twickenham on December 5th.
Laporte’s announcement that South Africa is considering competing in the Eight Nations, could imply that the 'Boks may not play in the Rugby Championship or even that the tournament will not go ahead as planned.
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