Italy do not risk losing their
place in the Six Nations, tournament Chief Executive John Feehan
said on Monday.
The Azzurri have come last in 11 of the 17 Six Nations that
they have taken part in since 2000 and there have been calls
from some critics for a relegation-promotion system to be
introduced, with nations like Georgia and Romania pushing for a
chance in it.
"In the short to medium term there is not any genuine
likelihood of that happening," Feehan told the BBC.
"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".
Italy open their 2016 Six Nations campaign, their first under
new coach Conor O'Shea, against Wales in Rome on Sunday.
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