At a Board of Directors meeting in Paris, the first since elections were held in December, Rugby Europe agreed to send an official letter to the Six Nations Holding Company with a view to opening up the competition to sides other than the current make-up.

France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Italy take part in the annual Six Nations.

Italy's position in the event has come under scrutiny in recent months as they have slipped below Georgia in the world rankings.

The Italian team were subjected to a heavy defeat by Ireland in their opening match of this year's series as they were beaten 58-15, before they then slipped to a 67-14 defeat to Wales.

It has led to claims that Georgia should replace Italy in the Six Nations line-up.

Rugby Europe President Octavian Morariu, a member of the International Olympic Committee, did not mention Italy directly when revealing a number of options were on the table.

This includes a potential promotion and relegation system in the Six Nations, as well as a play-off system.

"The development of rugby in Europe entails each Union having the opportunity to play regularly with the best teams in order to raise standards," Morariu, a former Romanian international, said.

"Promotion and relegation system belongs to Rugby Europe ethical code in all our competitions."

Morariu said talks should be initiated between Rugby Europe and the organisers of the Six Nations.

"It is not about punishing a specific team because of its results in the tournament" said Morariu.

"We don’t want to compromise what has been achieved until now, but opening a dialogue seems to us crucial for the benefit of all. 

"On a sports point of view considering the development and future of our sport; for economic consideration as Europe cannot be limited to six countries; and finally, politically, because we are a continent whose official governing body is Rugby Europe.

"We are open to consider all alternatives, either a direct relegation, the insertion of an annual or every two-year play-off system; the integration of one or two teams or the setup of a real European competition.

"We are aware this process will require time to build a common project and achieve it; but we need to start a real collaboration in the interests of European rugby growth."