Romania coach Lynn Howells wants Six Nations promotion

Romania coach Lynn Howells has called for a two-tier Six Nations with promotion and relegation to help expand the game throughout Europe.

Former Wales assistant coach Howells believes future World Cups would benefit from allowing so-called minnows regular top-level Test matches.

The Five Nations became six when Italy joined in 2000, but the Azzurri have 'won' the Wooden Spoon for finishing last in 10 of their 16 campaigns.

"To play in the Six Nations would be something teams like Romania dream about," said Howells, ahead of Sunday's first meeting with Ireland since 2005 which comes just four days after they lost 38-11 to France at London's Olympic Stadium.

"The sad part would be losing teams from the top level of the tournament. And then the way back for them would be difficult.

"We have to be able to perform and show people we can perform at this level. It gives us that opportunity, whereas before we haven't had that chance."

Italy have played 80 Six Nations matches since their 2000 inclusion in Europe's premier rugby contest - winning just 12, drawing one and losing 67.

The likes of Romania and Georgia compete for the second-tier European Nations Cup, but now Howells believes the lower-ranked sides ought to be handed the chance to win promotion to the top level.

Italy and most likely Scotland too would be hugely opposed to a promotion and relegation system across the Six Nations, but Howells is adamant it is the best way to grow the game across the continent.

"If we put in another big performance against Ireland, in a similar way to what we did against France, then people will hopefully be talking again," said Howells.

"New Zealand coach Steve Hansen thinks the gap is closing between the top nations and the tier-two sides, and obviously Japan showed in beating South Africa that maybe things are changing.

"I think the Six Nations would be a better competition with relegation and promotion."