NZR CEO Mark Robinson has revealed that talks are underway for Fiji and Japan to enter an annual Six Nations-style tournament in 2026 to occur every two years.
He says this move would be a winner but it should be every year as part of an expanded Rugby Championship.
Robinson says elevating both Japan and Fiji into the tournament immediately brings two opponents to shake off the staleness.
He says Japan and Fiji can benefit from having each other included at the same time, unlike Argentina who just had to suffer beatings for the most part.
Robinson says Fiji has always had what it takes to knock off any tier one opponent at home, and given the chance to, they will do so.
He says considering the style of rugby the Fijians play and the athletes they produce, it is a no-brainer to have them included from an entertainment perspective.
A six-team Rugby Championship with Japan and Fiji would reduce the number of current fixtures per team, playing everyone just once on an alternating home-and-away basis annually.
The current tournament has the best rugby nations involved but fails to be the best rugby competition and that could change with Japan and Fiji who bring different but exciting playing styles, as well as appealing locations to hold top tier Test rugby.
[Source: RugbyPass]
