The Six Nations and Sanzaar are in discussions with World Rugby regarding the potential elimination of relegation from the Nations Championship. This follows the establishment of F10, a new company formed by the top ten unions to manage the championship's commercial rights. The current agreement mandates promotion and relegation starting in 2030, a condition that some unions are now seeking to alter to avoid financial risks associated with dropping to a lower tier.
Concerns have been raised about the integrity of the competition if the founding unions are exempted from relegation. The original vote to create the Nations Championship required a significant majority, and any changes to this framework could destabilize the tournament, which has been a point of contention between World Rugby and the unions for years.
Watch for the upcoming discussions between World Rugby and the unions, as any changes to relegation rules could significantly impact team dynamics and financial strategies. The outcome may redefine competitive balance and influence future tournament structures.