The Six Nations competition, previously the Five Nations until Italy was included, has come in for a bit of criticism. Should it be expanded to include extra nations?

Rugby supporters, fans of sports in general, and even punters who like to have the occasional bet on the games at sites like Energy Casino, believe it is time to make the competition less exclusive and make the competition more exciting by including more nations. The current format works fine, but other teams have been improving. And now feel they deserve a chance to play at one of the sporting world’s biggest events.

There have even been talks of continuing the current format, but including extra teams and making it so the bottom tier teams could be relegated from the competition. This is a controversial but still interesting idea. Many people believe it would make the event more exciting. These are the teams who are currently involved in the Six Nations and who could be included:

France: A powerhouse of rugby and since the Five Nations became the Six Nations, France has won the tournament 5 times. They are not to be underestimated. With a strong history of winning the Six Nations and always being one of the favourite teams to lift the trophy, they can never be written off.
Italy: The newcomer to the competition, joining in 2000 they have slowly become a hard team to beat. Still yet to win the trophy they have been getting stronger and stronger each year. Still a few years away from challenging the more established nations their future does look bright, with up and coming young talent.
Scotland: A team that has yet to win the trophy, yet a team that no other team looks forward to playing, Scotland always play with a tremendous amount of heart and never gives up. It’s felt they are improving rapidly and may challenge for the top spot in the future.
England: Always in the running for the title, they have won a record 7 times. With a strong heritage of rugby and being played in most schools, they have a wealth of talent both young and old. Never count them out of any rugby competition, it would be a mistake.
Wales: The current holders of the trophy and current favourites to retain the cup. In a country with a strong heritage of sport and rugby, in particular, it is hard to see anybody beating them next year. They have had some tremendous players over the years.
Ireland: Always a tough team to play, only Hurling attracts more supporters to a sporting event in Ireland. Winning the 6 Nations 4 times and with a promising young squad, they could well be the next champions. Never an easy team to play against for any nation.

Who Could be The Other Nations To Join The Competition?

Many people believe it is time for the enlargement of the Six Nations competition and South Africa are the fans’ favourites to be included. They are a dominating force in rugby and have a great history in the sport. It would make sense, although the travel time is not short the competition is spread out over time and it should not be too stressful for the players. South Africa would make a great addition to the competition and also for the sponsors adding millions of extra viewers.
New Zealand has also been mentioned as a possible member of the competition, again travel is an issue and the other members may well be scared to face the All Blacks, but it surely would be good for the competition, for spectators and rugby enthusiasts alike.

Another European team that could be a contender?

Closer to home for the competition is Georgia, less travel for the players and the team has become an inspiration for smaller rugby nations. Still not in the same league as Wales or England, their progress and results in recent times have made a compelling case for their inclusion.

The Aussie Threat That Could be Champions if Included

A strong team that show potential, Australia could also be included as they have one of the best teams in the world, they can never be discounted and with guts and ferocity that is feared across the rugby world, they would make a great addition to the Guinness cup. Travel is also an issue but with proper organization, it could be possible for the Wallabies to join one of the greatest rugby events in the world.

An Eastern Era Could Be on The Cards

Japan: Another up and coming rugby nation that would draw millions of extra fans, Japan have been enjoying a rise in their standing in the rugby world. Still not at the same level as some of their counterparts, it will surely benefit from being entered in such a major competition. Given their chance, who knows what they can achieve? With a strong national squad and strong resilience to win, they could surely be contenders in a few years to lift the trophy.

A big outsider but Tonga could also be included, Whilst not in Asia they could make an excellent addition to the competition, however, it would involve a lot of travel. They are always a tough team to play against and could make the competition more exciting and draw a bigger audience and help rugby become a truly bigger sport than it currently is. All of the Pacific island nations have a long history of rugby and could be an attractive tribute to the game.

Conclusion

Many people believe it is time for an overhaul of the competition of the Six Nations, including a few extra nations will make the game more exciting and entice more enthusiasm. The event is already a multi-million-dollar sport but changing the format to include some European nations can only help the sport of rugby in general. The involvement of more teams would also boost the betting scene as it would bring about added interest in the competition.

Nobody wants to replace or overshadow the rugby World Cup, but the 6 Nations is the next best thing and expanding the number of teams in many people’s eyes is a logical conclusion to bringing a wider audience to the world of rugby and hopefully inspire the next generation of players.