A bonus points system will be introduced to the Six Nations from 2017.
The system, much like that which is already in place in club rugby in the Champions Cup and Guinness PRO12, will be implemented for the Men’s, Women's and Under 20s Six Nations Championships on a trial basis from 2017.
Bonus points will be handed out to encourage and reward try scoring and attacking play, with a new points system in place as follows.
- At a basic level, match winners will be awarded four points, with the losers receiving no points.
- A draw will see both teams awarded two points each.
Bonus points will now be allocated as follows:
- A team, whether winning, losing or drawing, that scores four tries or more will be awarded an extra bonus point.
- A losing team, which is defeated by a margin of seven points or less, will also be awarded an extra bonus point.
- A further three bonus points will be awarded to a team that wins all five of its matches, thus completing the "Grand Slam”.
The Six Nations Council say the system will be reviewed post Championships.
"We have been looking at the feasibility of a bonus point system for a while and examining what kind of bonus point system would work best, given the unique properties and format of our Championships”, said Pat Whelan, Chairman of the Six Nations.
“We needed to ensure that whatever bonus point system we selected would work with the already proven structure of the Championships and would serve to materially improve what is already there.
"The drama and excitement of the last weekend of the RBS 6 Nations Championship is unique and is, more often than not, driven by a number of teams on equal Championship points all competing for first place on the table”, added John Feehan, Chief Executive of Six Nations.
“It is important for us to ensure that any bonus point system which is implemented would not, in any way, take away from this unique dynamic.
“At the same time, we are also conscious that we must reward try scoring and an attacking style of play that will deliver more tries and greater rewards for fans and players alike.
