Six Nations chief executive rules out promotion and relegation
Tom Harrison, the Six Nations chief executive, has categorically ruled out any prospect of introducing promotion and relegation to the championship in the near future, reports BritPanorama.
During an appearance on the Business of Sport podcast, Harrison articulated concerns that removal from the competition could lead to financial ruin for national unions. “We’re not going to introduce promotion or relegation into the Six Nations anytime soon,” he stated. He elaborated on the dangers posed by relegation, which he described as tantamount to bankruptcy for the affected union, saying, “I don’t see an equivalent example where there is a competition that has promotion and relegation, where relegation is tantamount to bankruptcy or the end of your organisation.”
His comments come against the backdrop of increasing calls from advocates who want to see Europe’s premier rugby tournament opened up to Tier 2 nations, such as Georgia. The Lelos have demonstrated considerable prowess in the Rugby European Championship, having claimed the trophy 16 times out of the last 18 editions, and have secured victories against established sides like Wales and Italy, bolstering their case for more frequent encounters with top-tier teams.
Georgia has even proposed a play-off match against Wales to decide which nation should have the right to compete in the Six Nations. Meanwhile, Wales, under the management of Steve Tandy, prepares for upcoming fixtures having not secured a championship win since March 2023; they have finished last in the tournament for two consecutive years, with the 2026 Six Nations set to commence on Thursday, featuring France facing Ireland.
Harrison’s latest remarks echo widespread concerns regarding the economic fallout that could result from relegation. He elucidated the alarming scenario wherein a union with a strong youth pipeline encounters a series of poor performances and faces relegation. “As a result, clubs had to close, programmes had to be shut down, people had to lose their jobs,” he noted. He emphasized that the goal of promotion and relegation should be about fostering opportunity, not jeopardizing the sustainability of major rugby nations.
In similar discussions, former Wales captain Sam Warburton has previously advocated for the inclusion of a promotion and relegation system, particularly during times when Italy consistently occupied the bottom position. However, he has also acknowledged the harsh financial consequences that relegation would entail for teams like Wales, calling such a result “a disaster.”
The debate continues to evoke a range of perspectives, as stakeholders weigh the merits of broadening competition against the stability of existing frameworks. As we await the unfolding of the next Six Nations, the tension between tradition and evolution in rugby remains palpable.
