Is there any promotion/relegation system for the Six Nations? I'm still learning rugby culture, and I don't even know how many other nations might be interested or able to take over a spot.
Very much a closed shop at the moment (expect to hear 'tradition' a lot from people defending the status quo) but basically the rest of Europe want an opportunity to join. There is a Rugby Europe championship that has multiple divisions and sits below the 6 Nations, but there's no pathway between them. As Ben noted, Georgia are the dominant non 6 Nations team but there has been no invite to date for several reasons (not in the old boys club, limited political influence in rugby circles, location). Portugal and particularly Spain are gaining and more likely to be invited at some stage.
Is there any promotion/relegation system for the Six Nations? I'm still learning rugby culture, and I don't even know how many other nations might be interested or able to take over a spot.
Not currently, but it’s a contentious issue! Georgia are often the ones cited as being most deserving of a shot, but I think the travel means it would be difficult: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/oct/26/six-nations-georgia-romania
Very much a closed shop at the moment (expect to hear 'tradition' a lot from people defending the status quo) but basically the rest of Europe want an opportunity to join. There is a Rugby Europe championship that has multiple divisions and sits below the 6 Nations, but there's no pathway between them. As Ben noted, Georgia are the dominant non 6 Nations team but there has been no invite to date for several reasons (not in the old boys club, limited political influence in rugby circles, location). Portugal and particularly Spain are gaining and more likely to be invited at some stage.