England's reluctance to accept a relegation system has been challenged by World Rugby. But from the moment promotion-relegation was mooted, many Six Nations unions laced up the trainers and prepared to run a mile. Jeopardy of relegation for major nations such as England appears a smokescreen. Furthermore, World Rugby is promising a significant parachute payment to any relegated union, and protection of revenues over the initial 12-year period. "The Six Nations is pretty special, it has taken 135 years to build so let's protect that and not take away from the Six Nations," Melville said.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 27, 2019 19:07 UTC