England coach Eddie Jones says the Six Nations should consider introducing a promotion-relegation system.
This followed England’s 57-14 victory over Italy at Twickenham on Saturday. It was the Azzurri’s 21st defeat in a row and consigned Conor O’Shea’s men to a last-place finish for the fourth year running.
The Italians have not finished in the bottom two on the log in only two of their campaigns since their entry in 2000. Those came when they finished fourth in 2007 and 2013.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5, Jones said the Six Nations needs a relegation system in order to keep the tournament competitive.
‘To improve it [the Six Nations], you’ve got to find a way of making sure you’ve got the six best teams in Europe always playing in it,’ Jones said. ‘I think they should always consider rewarding merit, it doesn’t matter what competition you’re in. If that involves relegation, then it’s something that should be looked at very closely.
‘The organisers talk about the Six Nations being the best rugby competition in the world, and it probably is close to it.’
Photo: EPA/Angelo Carconi
