Writing for the International Rugby Board, Ian Gilbert preview the year ahead.
"The European Nations Cup may not have the same kudos as Stade de France or Murrayfield on the opening weekend, but its profile is growing. The multi-tiered competitions resumes with the top division as Romania tackle Portugal and Ukraine host Georgia.
"Georgia will be out to show they are once again Europe’s best outside of the Six Nations by retaining the title, while Ukraine face an uphill battle to remain in Division 1A as teams battle for promotion and relegation in the other five tiers over the coming months.
"The race to be crowned Asia’s best is expected to begin in April with Japan once again favourites to win the HSBC Asian 5 Nations, their biggest challenge likely to again come from Hong Kong, winners of the Emirates Airline Cup of Nations in December.
"June will see the future stars of world rugby converge on Cape Town and Stellenbosch for the fifth edition of the IRB Junior World Championship, when the conundrum 11 teams try to solve is how to stop New Zealand keeping the trophy in their hands."
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