STAR LETTER A promotion plan for the Six Nations
I know this has been argued to death but, having thought about it a bit in the pub (where else), I have a possible solution to the Six Nations relegation/ promotion debate. Personally I like the idea of a biennial play-off series, perhaps done as part of the June/autumn Test windows.
There would be a maximum of three games and a minimum of one. If the same team loses (finishes bottom of) the Six Nations two years in a row, they go into the play-off final; if two different teams lose over the two years they play a semi-final and the loser goes into the final. If the same team wins the Rugby Europe Championship in both years, they go into the play-off final; if two different teams have won it, they play a semi, with the winner going to the final. And the winner of the final gets entry into the Six Nations.
It’s a complex way of doing it, but it gives some security to Six Nations teams and means the REC champions need to prove their worth to get in. Iain Cardno, Glasgow
RW says: It’s an interesting and pretty fair idea, but it could be hard to find the space in the calendar for these play-offs. Summer and autumn Test fixtures are generally planned years in advance. plan is to cover the wall above his bed.
Stuart Thorne, via email RW says: Good work!
Mouthy parents
I coach my local U12s side and am also a Level Two qualified referee. My biggest criticism is the barracking refs receive from the touchline,
enemy’. Perhaps I don’t understand modern rugby. Will someone tell me what I’m missing?
Brian Green Buderim, Queensland
RW says: There is now more emphasis on the kick-chase and pressurising opponents under the high ball.