- Georgia want to join the Six Nations after beating Wales and Italy in 2022
- Senior Six Nations – in the men’s and women’s game – remains a closed shop
- Georgia are under the guidance of former England assistant Richard Cockerill
The Six Nations has been urged to commit to further and long-term expansion at all levels after it confirmed Georgia and Portugal had been invited to join its Under-18 Championship.
Georgia and Portugal will play alongside the tournament’s established nations England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy in an eight-team junior men’s competition which will be held in Italy and begin on March 30 this year.
It signals a welcome willingness for the Six Nations to broaden its horizons in age group rugby, something which is yet to happen on the full international stage.
The senior Six Nations – in both the men’s and women’s game – remains a closed shop.
But there are many who believe there should be a promotion and relegation game between the team which finishes bottom of the men’s tournament and the side that finishes top of Rugby Europe – the competition below the Six Nations – to see which team takes part in the premier group the following year.
Georgia want to join the senior men’s Six Nations after beating Wales and Italy in 2022
![Georgia are now under the guidance of former England assistant Richard Cockerill](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/15/18/81320791-0-image-a-12_1708020786165.jpg)
Georgia are now under the guidance of former England assistant Richard Cockerill
Georgia are pushing hard for inclusion in the senior men’s Six Nations. Last year, they beat England in an Under-20 international in Tbilisi.
Soso Tkemaladze, Georgia Rugby president, said: ‘This is an important vote of confidence in Georgian Rugby and we’re grateful to the Six Nations for the invitation.
‘We will show we have earned the right to compete at this level and become a permanent fixture in the Six Nations. Across the rugby world everyone is talking about the development of countries from outside the traditional elites. Nations like Georgia need competition against the best.
‘For us the next step is for the same recognition to be granted to our Under-20’s as soon as possible.
‘Our results against top nations over several years show our Under-20’s are a match for anyone and shouldn’t have to wait any longer for the opportunity they’ve earned.’
The Six Nations Under-18 competition is organised on a yearly basis so as things stand, the participation of Georgia and Portugal is only for 2024.
Georgia’s men’s senior side beat both Wales and Italy in 2022. They are now under the guidance of former England assistant Richard Cockerill.
Portugal, meanwhile, impressed at last year’s World Cup in France, claiming a famous win over Fiji and playing an impressive brand of attacking rugby.
![Portugal won their first-ever World Cup game when they beat Fiji at last year's tournament](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/02/15/20/81326907-13088823-image-a-12_1708029107275.jpg)
Portugal won their first-ever World Cup game when they beat Fiji at last year’s tournament
Portugal’s next game is against an England A side on February 25.
England announced a provisional 27-man squad for the Leicester clash – one which included five players with senior Test caps. Jamie Blamire, Nick Isiekwe, Tom Pearson, Harry Randall and Ollie Hassell-Collins were all named but there was no place for Gloucester No 8 Zach Mercer.
The squad was selected by England senior head coach Steve Borthwick and is set to be boosted further next week by players currently part of the Six Nations party preparing to face Scotland.
The Portugal game will the first time an England A side has played since 2016.
Conor O’Shea, England’s director of rugby performance, yesterday (THURS) confirmed they have plans to play such matches three times each season moving forwards.
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