Could it become the 8 Nations?
The Six Nations is a competition that has been evolving since its existence, and I do not think this will stop developing, any time soon. In this article, we will be looking at the possibility of it becoming the eight nations at any point. It would be great to hear your feedback by going to @__SportCentral to and have your say. The first change, when it became the Five Nations, rather than Four Nations, Championship, happened in 1910 when France were added to the fray. For many years it was the was Five Nations, until it became what we know and love today, the Six Nations Championship, after the inclusion of Italy in the year 2000.
Although we can float as many ideas for and against, it must be said that Italy and Scotland are vastly improving and getting year on year, but so are Georgia and Romania. Would making a group with the four quickest developing teams in Europe be an idea? Should the championship become the Eight Nations, it will further evolve the evolution of the tournament, and there are a few ways this can be done. Two Groups of Four One option, would to be the introduction of the two groups. Year upon year, Italy and Scotland battle it out not be get the wooden spoon, and it seems to be the most important fixture when they play each other. A proposal is, that they break away from the four teams they normal face, and form the second group, including Romania and Georgia. Group A 1. England 2. Ireland 3. Wales 4. France Group B 1. Italy 2. Scotland 3. Romania 4. Georgia
Some will say that this takes away from the fact it started with England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and that ends that era. Should this group format be in place, I feel it can only benefit all 8 teams involved, and it takes away from Italy facing Ireland, and the match being a landslide.
One thing that must be remembered is, that Italy and Scotland are the two fast improving nations in the 6 nations, but the may enjoy the chance to play in a tournament as the favourites rather than the underdogs and enjoy fighting at a different end of the table. The Play off Another possibility for consideration may be a play off. By competing in the second division, it may not have to mean that you are always in division 2. Once the tournament has reached its conclusion, you could stage a play off game, the bottom of the top division vs. the winner of the second division, and the winner will be competing in division 1. I feel this play off system, will ensure that the best teams play in the top division, and improving teams like Scotland and Italy, may be able to compete in division one, should they be successful in the league and the play off.
Club Rugby A benefit of increasing it to the 8 Nations, would be that, the level of intensity in the matches that are played will increase, and it can only improve club rugby in each country. England Internationals will be available for a lot longer during the Premiership season, rather than having two months out. Also, an incentive for players from Georgia and Romania, they will get better and better every time they play, and will be pushing for places in English and French premier league teams.
Where does it end? As the game of rugby itself has come so far, with things like the introduction of professionalism, there is no reason to stop its advancements there. When does it end for the Six Nations, should they include Russia, Germany, Lithuania, all three are improving European teams that may benefit from the publicity of the big stage. Could sides as far as Japan and Hong Kong compete on the big circuit one day?
In summary, I would be happy either way, whatever decision is made now and in the future. Yes I do feel it would be good to have the increased number of nations and the two divisions, mainly for the teams in Group B, but then part of me, would not want the current format to change, because they is no better competition than the RBS Six Nations. Sport Central