Rethinking The 6 Nations Championship

The Six Nations Championship, a cornerstone of European rugby, is cherished for its historical rivalries. However, the success of recent multinational events like the UEFA European Championship (Euros) has sparked calls to rethink the Six Nations format.

Despite years of calls for a relegation system in the Six Nations, World Rugby’s recent overhaul of the global calendar didn’t include one. As a result, it fell short in the eyes of the many smaller nations who are concerned about being sidelined from elite competition.

The Current State of the Six Nations

The Six Nations Championship features England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales, competing annually from February to March. The tournament’s format has remained largely unchanged since Italy joined in 2000, creating a “closed shop” environment with no promotion or relegation system.

This format has its benefits, ensuring fan-favourite showdowns such as England vs Scotland, high-intensity matches and a stable competitive environment, but it also has notable drawbacks, particularly in terms of inclusivity and development of the sport across Europe.

The Case for Expansion

In recent years, nations like Georgia and Portugal have shown significant promise on the international stage. Georgia, in particular, has been a dominant force in the Rugby Europe Championship, often referred to as the “Six Nations B”.

Georgia’s consistent performances, including at World Cups, suggest they could compete at a higher level. Expanding the Six Nations to include these emerging nations would not only reward their progress but also inject fresh excitement and diversity into the tournament.

Including more teams in the Six Nations could spur the development of rugby in other European countries. The increased exposure and higher level of competition would incentivise national rugby unions to invest more in grassroots programs, infrastructure, and player development.

This expansion could mirror the success seen in football, where the inclusion of more teams in the Euros has helped to elevate the game across the continent.

Creating a Second Tier

Introducing a second tier to the Six Nations, with promotion and relegation, could provide a dynamic competitive structure. This system would maintain the elite nature of the Six Nations while giving emerging teams a pathway to compete at the highest level.

Teams in the second tier would have the incentive to improve continuously, knowing that a top finish could see them promoted to the prestigious Six Nations.

The Rugby Europe Championship already functions as a de facto second tier, featuring teams like Georgia, Spain, Romania, and Portugal.

Integrating this competition more formally with the Six Nations, with synchronised calendars and potential play-offs, could enhance the profile of both tournaments.

This integration would ensure that the Six Nations remains elite while offering a clear and attainable route for promotion, increasing the stakes for all involved.

Challenges and Considerations

Expanding the tournament or adding a second tier would undoubtedly present logistical challenges. The current format, with its compact schedule, ensures high-intensity matches and maximises audience engagement.

Adding more teams or matches could dilute the competition’s appeal if not managed correctly. Additionally, financial considerations, such as revenue sharing and sponsorship deals, would need careful planning to ensure all participating nations benefit equitably.

There is also likely to be resistance from traditionalists who value the current format and historic rivalries of the Six Nations might resist changes. Any structural modifications must respect its legacy. Balancing tradition with innovation is important for successful reforms.

In conclusion

The Six Nations stands at a crossroads. By either expanding to include emerging European nations or creating a second tier with promotion and relegation, rugby could embrace a more dynamic and inclusive future.

Adopting these reforms would require careful planning and a willingness to innovate, but the potential rewards—in terms of competitiveness, development, and global growth—make it a path worth exploring.