Six Nations confirms biggest format overhaul in 25 years — and not everyone is happy

Promotion-relegation pyramid finally agreed, but several unions are voicing serious reservations.

Six Nations Rugby has officially confirmed the biggest format overhaul in the tournament's modern history, introducing a long-debated promotion and relegation system linked to a second-tier European competition.

The changes, set to begin in 2028, will see the bottom-placed nation in the championship enter a playoff against the winner of an expanded tier-two competition.

Reaction from the unions has been mixed. While the move is broadly welcomed by emerging rugby nations and broadcasters, several established federations have voiced serious concerns about commercial impact.

Player welfare advocates have also raised concerns about the additional fixtures the new system would generate, particularly during an already congested international calendar.