INSIDER NEWSDESK-- The head of the Six Nations was keen to outline his hopes for the upcoming tournament as well as what is changing and what is staying the same to BBC Wales

 Six Nations boss Feehan is keen to keep the status quo and dismissed relegation talk. "In the short to medium term there is not any genuine likelihood of that happening," said Feehan in an interview with BBC Wales.

 Last season Italy broke the record for most tries conceded in a single tournament last year conceding 224 points, more than 100 points more than fifth place France. With the likes of Georgia and Romania impressing at the last few world cups many supporters would be interested to see new blood in the Six Nations.

 Feehan added that "Some comments are very unfair about Italy. "We think they have been a good addition to the Championship since they have entered. They have improved dramatically but other teams have improved dramatically - it's a relative thing.

 "It's not that long ago they beat South Africa in the autumn series so they are capable of beating anyone on their day and worthy participants. We are very happy with how the Italians are approaching things. There is a long way to go in terms of being competitive to win the title. But on any given day they can beat any of the sides and they have done that, apart from England."

 Feehan also discussed the addition of bonus points to the competition saying, "It is something we have considered for many years but resisted to date. If you look at the Six Nations, it is inherently unfair because some teams have three home games and other teams have two home matches in any given year and there is an imbalance. That word balance is key and we are looking to see whether the benefits we get on encouraging more tries to be scored is better than any direct imbalance.

 “We decided we had to give it a try to see if it works. If you look at the the championship two years ago, we ended up with 27 tries on the last day. Teams can score tries when they wish to and need to. That's what we are trying to encourage."

tl