Romania coach wants two-tier Six Nations
A two-tier Six Nations competition with promotion and relegation would improve European rugby, according to Romania coach Lynn Howells.
Romania coach Lynn Howells wants the Six Nations to become a two-tier competition with promotion and relegation to benefit the supposed lesser nations of European rugby.
Howell's men impressed in their Rugby World Cup opener against France on Tuesday, eventually losing 38-11, and will take on Ireland at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The Five Nations was expanded to six teams in 2000 when Italy were added to the competition but they have since finished bottom in 10 of their 16 appearances in the tournament.
"To play in the Six Nations would be something teams like Romania dream about," Howells said.
"The sad part would be losing teams from the top level of the tournament. And then the way back for them would be difficult.
"We have to be able to perform and show people we can perform at this level [in the World Cup]. It gives us that opportunity, whereas before we haven't had that chance.
"If we put in another big performance against Ireland, in a similar way to what we did against France, then people will hopefully be talking again.
"New Zealand coach Steve Hansen thinks the gap is closing between the top nations and the tier-two sides, and obviously Japan showed in beating South Africa that maybe things are changing.
"I think the Six Nations would be a better competition with relegation and promotion."