2014–2016 European Nations Cup First Division
The 2014–16 European Nations Cup First Division is the premier rugby union competition below the Six Nations Championship in Europe. It is divided into two tiers; Division 1A and Division 1B.
| 2014–16 European Nations Cup | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Autumn 2014 – Spring 2016 | ||
| Countries | Division 1A: Georgia Germany Portugal Romania Russia Spain Division 1B: Belgium Moldova Netherlands Poland Sweden Ukraine | ||
| Tournament statistics | |||
| Champions | Georgia (2015, 2016) | ||
| Top point scorer(s) | Division 1A: Merab Kvirikashvili(64 points) Division 1B: Baptiste Lescarboura (55 points) | ||
| Top try scorer(s) | Division 1A: Zurab Zhvania (5 tries) Division 1B: Baptiste Lescarboura (11 tries) | ||
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The divisions play on a two-year cycle with the teams playing each other both home and away. From 2009 onward, the title is awarded according to a one-year ranking.
The competition has been slightly altered for the 2014–16 edition. The top tier Division 1A has seen the relegation of Belgium to Division 1B. They have been replaced with Germany, who finished at the top of Division 1B in the 2012–14 season. The bottom tier division 1B has seen the relegation of the Czech Republic to the European Nations Cup Second Division. They have been replaced by Netherlands who won promotion from Division 2A.
The champions of Division 1B will be promoted to Division 1A for the 2017–18 season, while the last placed team in each division will be relegated.