YOUR columnist has suggested that Italy would like to see the Six Nations extended. I believe a Seven Nations would dilute the great Six Nations tradition and promotion/ relegation is also a no for the same reasons.
A possible compromise could be once every four years the Six Nations is played as usual but as a part of a European Cup. There are many formats that could be considered but at least once every four years countries such as Spain, Georgia, Portugal etc could experience Tier 1 competition.
I would also suggest that every Southern Hemisphere team that tours Europe during the autumn should include one Tier 2 nation in their itinerary. Likewise Northern Hemisphere team going south in June/July should do the same.
