Rugby’s Six Nations Championship is full of history and tradition, and there’s a lot of opportunity for new rivals to be created. It’s the absolute pinnacle of European rugby, featuring England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy.

However, discussions have been mooted around widening the tournament, and many are asking if the time is right to bring new countries to the party. It would expand, allowing fresh rivalries, diverse competition and a chance for up and coming rugby nations to flaunt their talent.

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Why Expand the Six Nations?

Making the Six Nations a larger tournament could invigorate the competition and also boost rugby’s global reach. The tournament, which could include rising rugby nations, could give tier-two teams a route to playing rugby’s top level. It could help to develop the sport in new areas, draw in more fans, and enhance commercial chances, for instance, through publicity bargains and broadcasting deals.

Even though expansion has great potential, it is important to judge the right contenders. Here are some nations that could make a compelling case to join the Six Nations:

1. Georgia: The Tier-Two Powerhouse

Georgia has not been a front-runner in the expansion talk of Six Nations. The Lelos have long been known for being the dominant side in the Rugby Europe Championship, or as it is ‘also’ known, the second tier of European rugby. They are a super good solid team who have very good forwards.

Why They’re Contenders: Georgia has proved its worth against tier-one nations at the Rugby World Cup, and its passionate fan base is desperate to see the team play on a bigger stage. Also adding Georgia would add diversity and representation to Eastern Europe.

Challenges: The critics say Georgia’s backline lacks enough creativity to keep up regularly with tier-one teams. There are also questions about their capacity to persevere with sustained strong performances in the rigors of a tournament.

2. South Africa: A Blockbuster Addition

Inside South Africa, the reigning Rugby World Cup champions, would be seismic for the Six Nations. Outside of Europe, South Africa featured in the United Rugby Championship, featuring club teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Italy.

Why They’re Contenders: Unmatched pedigree, world-class talent, and global fanbase come with South Africa. The inclusion of them would make the tournament more competitive and attract huge commercial interest.

Challenges: It would require travel logistics, time zones, and the disruption of the Rugby Championship – in which South Africa currently competes.

3. Japan: The Brave Blossoms

Japan’s rapid ascent of the world rugby rankings has been nothing short of spectacular. By hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup, they showed their enthusiasm for the game and how their country could compete with the best in the world.

Why They’re Contenders: With Asia becoming an area of the game where growth is rapid, Japan is a unique opportunity to burst that Asian market. Their dynamic style of high-tempo play would bring exciting football to the tournament.

Challenges: Japan’s inclusion, like South Africa’s, poses logistical problems. Moreover, they could be lacking experience in the long format of competitions.

4. Portugal: The Underdog with Potential

Having come through the group stages in thrilling style, Portugal became one of the surprise contenders of the Rugby World Cup in France. Over the past few years, however, the Wolves have shown vast improvement, a sign that the rugby culture in the country is on the rise.

Why They’re Contenders: Portugal showed its worth as an international rugby setup at the last World Cup and threw its hat firmly in the race to be in the prestigious Six Nations.

Challenges: Portugal would face an uphill battle against the Six Nations nations, and they just have a little too much to offer with the limited resources available.

5. Spain: A Rugby Revival

A traditional rugby country, Spain has never established itself among the game’s upper reaches. But some recent improvements to their domestic leagues and national team performances have made them ready for a bigger stage.

Why They’re Contenders: Spain’s sizeable population and well-established infrastructure should give them the power to be rapidly reckoned with in the sporting world of rugby. It would also set up a Mediterranean rivalry with Italy.

Challenges: Crowd pullers, though they may be, Spain has to finally show the goods against a tier-one opponent if they are to make their case.

6. Fiji: The Flair Factor

Traditionally the third part of the Pacific Island rugby powerhouse triumvirate, Fiji’s inclusion in an expanded Six Nations would inject some flair and attack into the tournament. Their talent has been evident in their sevens rugby success and their World Cup performances.

Why They’re Contenders: Including Fiji would add an exciting, unpredictable thing to the tournament. Rugby has no fans like their fans and no players as creative as their players.

Challenges: Logically and financially, distance, travel costs, and Fiji’s small population might not make their inclusion easy.

Key Considerations Before Choosing to Expand

There are challenges with Six Nations expansion. Organizers would need to address:

Logistics: Travel, scheduling, and player welfare management for teams not playing in Europe.

Competitiveness: Ensuring we create a high-quality tournament where new entrants can participate at the same level as current 6s participants.

Commercial Viability: How to balance tradition and the financial benefits of expansion to be successful in the long run.

With fans left eagerly debating which way forward to take the future of the Six Nations, expansion could be the moment rugby goes from strength to strength.

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