By PAUL REES

South Africa’s involvement in the Heineken Champions Cup this season is a step to the Springboks joining the Six Nations.
Ruben van Heerden, Exeter’s South Africa second row who last week played against his former team the Bulls at Sandy Park, believes the commercial clout held by South Africa will prove decisive.
“I am all for the inclusion of the South African teams in the Champions Cup,” said van Heerden, who played for the Bulls and the Sharks before joining the Chiefs this year. “They add to the excitement and they provide a different challenge because they are playing ...