World Rugby chief executive Brett Gosper is calling on the Six Nations unions to consider the good of the global game and back plans for a new Nations Championship.

The new format would involve the top 12 teams in the world and see promotion and relegation to a second tier.

Gosper says it is a “very significant moment” because the sport risks becoming one of haves and have nots.
World Rugby discussed its plan for a Nations Championship at a meeting in Dublin last Thursday, with Swiss-based Infront Sports and Media backing the competition with £5bn funding.

There is skepticism from some of the governing bodies of countries competing in the Six Nations, who are weighing up a rival offer from investment company CVC, which it is understood could be worth £100m to each union in return for 30% equity.

Scotland and Ireland are reportedly unconvinced by World Rugby’s proposal and are particularly unsure about the introduction of relegation from the Six Nations, which would be required if it became part of a global Nations Championship.