The Six Nations could face a major shake-up after Spain revealed plans to become the seventh country in the famous rugby tournament.
Spanish rugby chiefs want to take the country into Europe's top competitions, with the Six Nations firmly on their radar.
The bold plan comes as Spain prepares for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
It would be the biggest change to the championship since Italy joined in 2000.
However, no expansion has been agreed, and Spain knows it faces a long road to securing a place.
Spain wants to join Six Nations
Spanish Rugby Federation president Juan Carlos Martín Sánchez has revealed the country's ambitions in an interview with The Times.
He wants Spain to compete regularly against Europe's best teams.
"The Six Nations could be part of that programme," he said.
But the plans go much further than international rugby.
Spain also wants a team in the European Challenge Cup as early as next season.
Its professional side, Castilla y León Iberians, could be the first to make the move.
Sánchez also hopes to secure a future place in the United Rugby Championship.
That could eventually see a Spanish team face clubs from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa.
Could the Six Nations become Seven Nations?
The Six Nations has kept the same six countries for more than 25 years.
England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales have competed since Italy joined the former Five Nations in 2000.
Spain would bring a fresh market and new fans to the competition.
However, the Six Nations is a privately controlled tournament. Spain cannot simply qualify by winning matches.
Any expansion would need the backing of the competition's owners.
There is currently no confirmed plan to introduce a seventh team.
Spain targeting 2035 Rugby World Cup
Spain's ambitions do not stop there.
The country has also launched a bid to host the 2035 Rugby World Cup.
Its plans include using famous football grounds such as Barcelona's Camp Nou and Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu.
Spain will also return to the men's Rugby World Cup in 2027 for the first time since 1999.
For now, a place in the Six Nations remains a long-term ambition.
But Spanish rugby is making its intentions clear. It wants a seat at Europe's top table.
2027 Guinness Six Nations Fixtures
Round 1 – 5–6 February
Friday 5 February
- Ireland v England – 20:10
Saturday 6 February
- Scotland v Italy – 14:10
- France v Wales – 16:40
Round 2 – 13–14 February
Saturday 13 February
- Italy v Ireland – 14:10
- Scotland v Wales – 16:40
Sunday 14 February
- England v France – 15:10
Round 3 – 20–21 February
Saturday 20 February
- Wales v Ireland – 14:10
- England v Italy – 16:40
Sunday 21 February
- France v Scotland – 15:10
Round 4 – 5–6 March
Friday 5 March
- Scotland v Ireland – 20:10
Saturday 6 March
- Italy v France – 14:10
- Wales v England – 16:40
Round 5 – Super Saturday, 13 March
Saturday 13 March
- Italy v Wales – 14:10
- England v Scotland – 16:40
- Ireland v France – 20:10
All kick-off times are GMT (UK time).
