Rugby Europe makes formal approach to 6 Nations for dialogue

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Perhaps in response to the head of the 6N head honcho John Feehan indicating that the development of rugby in Europe was none of his concern and that there would be no expansion of the 6N for at least 10-15 years, Rugby Europe have issued a public approach to the 6 Nations to discuss options. I do wonder if Rugby Europe have been given the authority of World Rugby to flex some muscles.

http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/rugby-europe-formalize-its-request-6-nations


"The development of rugby in Europe entails each Union having the opportunity to play regularly with the best teams in order to raise standards. Promotion / relegation system belongs to Rugby Europe ethical code in all our competitions" – declared M. Octavian Morariu, President of Rugby Europe.

Thereby, the 17 Members of Board of Directors, representing the 48 unions affiliated to the European governing body, validated unanimously the drafting and sending of an official Letter to the 6 Nations Limited company, to open dialogue about a closer integration of competitions and particularly the opening of the 6 Nations Tournament to the other European unions.

"It is not about punishing a specific team because of its results in the Tournament. We don't want to compromise what has been achieved until now, but opening a dialogue seems to us crucial for the benefit of all. On a sports point of view considering the development and future of our sport; for economic consideration as Europe cannot be limited to 6 countries; and finally, politically, because we are a continent whose official governing body is Rugby Europe.

We are open to consider all alternatives, either a direct relegation, the insertion of an annual or every two-year play-off system; the integration of one or two teams or the setup of a real European competition, etc… We are aware this process will require time to build a common project and achieve it; but we need to start a real collaboration in the interests of European rugby growth."

 

[Osezno]

1) It's surprising to see the letter approved unanimously considering all Six Nations have men in Rugby Europe Board of Directors.
2) I find it disappointing no to see any mention of Women's Six Nations when World Rugby says they will make a stronger bet on women's rugby and Spain has a stronger case in that tournament than any other nation in men's one.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

Italy beat Ireland, Scotland and France in the late 1990s and fully merited inclusion in the new 6 Nations. Until Georgia show they can compete on a similar level, talk of inclusion is premature.

I do believe setting up dialogue to see what can be done is a good idea. I'd also like to see regular tests for Georgia in particular against 6 Nations teams to help bring them up to a standard whereby calls for their inclusion become deafening. What we don't want to see is Georgia given the long finger like Romania in the 1980s and fall backwards rapidly. Equally we don't want to see Georgia brought up too early and take 50+ point beatings in every game.

 

[Car]

Exactly. Give them the chance to prove that they are good enough. If they aren't, that will end all discussions anyway.