Italy in the 6 nations is time for a rethink

Aw man that would be rubbish. The only shake up the six nations needs is relegation and promotion. Simple as that
 
Was in Georgia last summer and surprised at just how big rugby is out there. A few of the locals I spoke to grumbled about the Six Nations 'closed shop'.
 
I agree with rugby journalist Peter Jackson..
Rugby journalist Jackson urged tournament organisers to leave it alone.
"It will change the entire landscape [of world rugby]," said Jackson.
"It's all about money, as if they don't get enough of it. They get £90 million a year from BBC and ITV for the Six Nations.
"That's not bad. It's an awful lot better than it used to be.
"You've got CVC, the private equity firm, who are trying to buy the £300 million commercial rights for the future of the Six Nations.
"I'm appalled. I love the Six Nations as it is. I think it's great. Just leave it alone.
"When will they realise that, in fact, less is more.
"So you have South Africa in and there's talk this morning about eight nations, so what do you do? Split it into two divisions of four?
"For arguments sake, say Wales are with England, Scotland and South Africa. They don't get to play Ireland.

"It just throws the whole thing out. The Six Nations is unique because of the way it is.
"I hope, for once in professional sport, they push the money aside and leave a fantastic competition as it is."
 
I would rather see it kept at 6 nations, however the 6th nation should be an invitational spot... ask a different country every year or have a playoff structure of those that want to be involved... Italy have never been and most probably never will be true contenders..but get an up and coming team on a good run and it would be interesting.
 
Boro_Boro_Boro said:
I would rather see it kept at 6 nations, however the 6th nation should be an invitational spot... ask a different country every year or have a playoff structure of those that want to be involved... Italy have never been and most probably never will be true contenders..but get an up and coming team on a good run and it would be interesting.
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Since the six nations began in 2000, neither Italy or Scotland have won it. They’re not really a true contender either.
 
Scotland could be, they are improving. If only the had someone as good as Finn Russell :unsure:

Italy just can't compete. Which strengthens the resolve to let someone else have a go. As has been mentioned, Georgia probably deserve a place at the top table, even Spain, Romania and Russia could beat Italy on their day
 
Keep it as it is. They have had twelve victories, including over Wales, France, Ireland and Scotland. They are not usually physically dominated such that player safety is an issue. They have played at every Word Cup either by qualification or automatic. Last year they W2 D1 L1 (12 points with +20 points difference) in the pool stage for New Zealand and South Africa to qualify (they were 3 points behind South Africa). (Georgia got 5 points with -57 points difference).
 
nowthen said:
Since the six nations began in 2000, neither Italy or Scotland have won it. They’re not really a true contender either.
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But they won it as the 5 nations in 1999 and 13 other times since its inception... They were one of the founding teams and thus still deserve their place.

From Italy's point of view they can still be part of it... they just need to win the playoff.
 
Scotland haven’t beaten France in Paris, for over 20 years, or overcome England at Twickenham, where the longest winless streak of any country in the Championship at one venue now stretches to 37 years, and 18 matches, since 1983.
 
I think allowing S.A into six nations would be like a smack in the mouth to the likes of Georgia who really need to be playing competitive Rugby on a regular basis.

S A already play in a very competitive environment and should stay where they are.

The richer unions would get richer while the smaller unions would be denied a place at the top table.
 
I'd take it back to 5 nations and setup a 2nd tier league with Italy, Spain, Georgia, Japan and Romania. One game promotion play-off. Bottom vs top.
 
No interest in South Africa joining.

If it's expanded, it should be to other Northern Hemisphere countries to try and strengthen World Rugby.
I'd prefer somebody European like Georgia or Romania, but maybe Canada or USA.
 
SmallTown said:
Scotland could be, they are improving. If only the had someone as good as Finn Russell :unsure:

Italy just can't compete. Which strengthens the resolve to let someone else have a go. As has been mentioned, Georgia probably deserve a place at the top table, even Spain, Romania and Russia could beat Italy on their day
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Scotland aren’t really improving SmallTown. Two and three seasons ago they won 3 games. Last season they only beat Italy and they’ve lost both so far this season.
 
I kind of disgaree, when you look at where they were ten years ago they were a different side. This season they could have easily beaten Ireland, and anyone could have won the storm Ciara lottery that was the Calcutta cup. Disciplining Russell has hurt them probably more than it hurt him, he could have turned both games on their heads.
 
SmallTown said:
I kind of disgaree, when you look at where they were ten years ago they were a different side. This season they could have easily beaten Ireland, and anyone could have won the storm Ciara lottery that was the Calcutta cup. Disciplining Russell has hurt them probably more than it hurt him, he could have turned both games on their heads.
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I’ll happily take a bet every six nations that Scotland won’t win it.
 
Currently no one would take that bet. You can't deny that in the future they COULD win it? They have enough of a rugby history, way moreso than Italy
 
Preston have a bit of football history as well. I don’t see Scotland winning a six nations again.
 
I disagree. It's practically inconceivable that, if the tournament stays as is, Scotland won't have a chance of winning it again. Not that long ago France looked garbage, they could well win the tournament this year.
 
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