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Straight out of the gate – and this should be stressed – it would be unreasonable to expect Wales to agree to a November play-off against Georgia that could bind them to relegation from the Six Nations. Imposing such stakes at this stage, with implications that could be apocalyptic for a union already pinching pennies, is simply unfair. Had Warren Gatland been aware of that possibility prior to the Six Nations, that would have been a different story.
Georgia scrummaged their way to a 13-12 triumph in Cardiff in 2022. However, as recently as last October, albeit at a World Cup where they fielded more experienced players and attacked with greater incision than they have mustered over the past two months, Gatland’s charges overturned the Lelos 43-19. Besides, autumn fixtures need a more compelling, coordinated narrative. This is one reason for World Rugby’s bi-annual Nations Championship. What could be a better way for Gatland to ready his charges for the 2025 Six Nations than an away game in Georgia, even if only pride and impetus will be on the line this time?
The logistics may be challenging. Telegraph Sport understands Wales are due to face Fiji, Australia and South Africa in November, although these fixtures are yet to be finalised or announced. Giving up a game at the Principality Stadium would be unpalatable because of the economic connotations – at any time, let alone one of this financial fragility – but this would be a highly popular initiative and undoubtedly fascinating. There must be a degree of willingness from Wales if their “We’ll be in touch” response on X was genuine.
Back in July 2022, Italy travelled to Batumi for a one-off Test against the Lelos, bringing a side that included Ange Capuozzo, Tomasso Menoncello, Juan Ignacio Brex, Danilo Fischetti and Michele Lamaro, with Paolo Garbisi among the replacements. Davit Niniashvili starred in a 28-19 victory for the hosts that appeared to spur Italy. The result did not alter the administrative set-up of the Six Nations, but Georgia’s correspondence with Wales might do. Piers Morgan highlighted the story to his 8.7m followers on X, which suggests that cut-through has been achieved. Rugby union does not often manage this.
Two things can be true at once. The Six Nations is a fantastic competition in its current form. But there must be a drive from bosses within its member unions to grow the game in Europe. One way to do this is expansion. Despite disappointment at the last couple of World Cups – a total of one win from eight matches has been below expectations – Georgia’s consistent success in Rugby Europe would justify incorporation into a Seven Nations. You could make the top tier into a two-pool, eight-team affair with Portugal, the darlings of the 2023 World Cup, and keep the tournament as a five-match schedule with two play-off games at the end to yield a 1-8 ranking. The danger there would be the possibility of a year going by without one of the traditional, money-spinning rivalries taking place.
‘What is the purpose of the Six Nations?’
A relegation play-off is probably the halfway house that engages second-tier teams while stopping the Six Nations from being an entirely closed shop. Two years ago, while head coach of Romania, Andy Robinson spelled out the importance of such a game.
“What is the purpose of the Six Nations?” he asked. “Is it to develop teams in Europe and grow the competition? Or is it about the supporter experience and the money that the competition generates?”
“By giving other European nations an opportunity to go up, it will encourage an increase in development for the rugby programmes in those countries,” Robinson added. “That will create a more competitive World Cup, which is what rugby needs in 20 years’ time.
“Overall, I would like to see a relegation game, but I don’t feel there would be another European team in [the Six Nations] for 10 years.”
Robinson suggested the play-off would be invaluable, even if Rugby Europe champions came up short for a decade. It would incentivise greater investment in the second tier as well, because bigger nations may need to spend a year there at some stage. This is the issue that the English club scene has been grappling with, too. Jeopardy of relegation enhances league competitions, but the penalty cannot be financial oblivion.
The solution is to solidify the second tier, present a potential path to the top table and, ultimately, to support the sport’s growth.
Georgia’s press release, and their desire for a dust-up with Wales, underlines this.
Georgia’s cheeky dig at Wales hides real point – Six Nations should not be a closed shop
The competition remains arguably the best in world rugby but growing the game in Europe must remain a priority for bosses