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).