Bonus Point system to be introduced in Six Nations 2017

The organisers of Six Nations have announced that a bonus-point system will be trialled in the upcoming 2017 edition of Men's, Women's and Under-20 tournaments.

The system which has already been in place in events like the World Cup, Rugby Championship, Aviva Premiership and Guinness PRO12 will be introduced in the Six Nations with an intention "to encourage and reward try-scoring and attacking play."

The teams will be awarded a bonus point irrespective of them winning or losing provided they score four or more tries in the game. In addition, the losing team can also gain a bonus point, if they lose by a margin of seven points or less.

In case of a draw, both teams will be given two points each and an additional point will be given if they manage four or more tries in the game. A team that wins all the five matches and wins a Grand Slam will be given three more points.

Six Nations chairman Pat Whelan said: "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.

"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.

"We are happy that the system that we have decided to trial is the one best-suited to our Championships, and we are delighted to be going ahead with this new development.

"We believe that the initiative will enhance our competitions for fans, teams, broadcasters and all of those for whom the Championship means so much."

And Six Nations chief executive John Feehan added: "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.

"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.

"We are very excited about the potential that this new development will bring to the Championships, and we look forward to trialling it next February and March."

The Six Nations Men's tournament will begin with Scotland taking on Ireland at Murrayfield followed by Grand Slam champions England locking horns with France at Twickenham, with both games scheduled on 4th February.