Do you mean the European Nations cup, which in many peoples eyes is considered to a more competitive tournament than the World Cup? The qualifying period takes nearly 18 months and is arranged in pools with countries seeded I think according to the FIFA ranking. Transferring a similar format to rugby, in Europe there would be enough countries to arrange at least three pools of four/five teams. There could an Americas pool , Asia pool, Africa pool, and two Oceania/ Pacfic rim pools. The winners of each pool would proceed to the final series.

At the moment the existing top nations would probably rise to the top, although in Europe at least three of the 6N’s wouldn’t make it. What an opportunity for the smaller nations to come through although in the early years they would be swamped by the top nations. It would raise the profile of the game worldwide, increase revenue streams and allow the IRB to invest more capital into the emerging nations.

It would probably mean that there would be less early Summer/Autumn internationals between NH/SH but in some peoples eyes that format is getting a little worn around the edges.

That may be easy on paper, but not so easy in commercial clout. Say if Wales missed out on the top 10. They would have to play division 2 teams during the next 2 years along with division 1 teams in Six nations and Nov SH vs NH tours, that a lot more rugby. I am afraid its who has the gold makes the rules. But a division two final in London and the winner getting a couple of million dollars/pounds, now wouldnt that be good for the likes of Samoa or Georgia etc ! Bring it on !

I’d imagine would increase interest from advertisers and broadcasters and increase rugby revenues globally.

Finally, and perhaps therefore a sticking point for it actually happening, suspect this would see funds diverted from NH club competitions (in terms of adverstising and gates) and towards internationals. And if the winning sides get a chunk of the cash, also likely to see money heading south frequently, which would also reduce attractiveness for the northern unions to support…

As the elite players in the NH play more rugby than players in the SH, there is the problem of player burn out. However, as an idea it has merit particularly as the elite game in the NH is becoming more professional and better prepared, with the elite players are being more carefully managed particularly in England following the recent agreement between club and country which starts this year. I also like the idea of relegation and promotion with more leagues to encourage smaller nations to be more competitive. Relegation will also focus the mind in the top league and make the series competitive and meaningful.