Fiji and Japan could be added to expanded Rugby Championship joining NZ, Australia, South Africa and Argentina

Fiji and Japan could be added to an expanded Rugby Championship, joining New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and Argentina.

Reports from Britain said the Sanzaar unions met during the World Cup in Japan last week and have agreed in principle to expand their test championship that runs alongside Super Rugby.

The expansion talks come after World Rugby's hopes of an inter-hemisphere championship fell over as northern unions resisted and stuck to their Six Nations format.

Now it seems Sanzaar, with World Rugby vice-chairman and Argentina great Agustin Pichot as the driving force, are weighing up to help get Fiji and Japan involved at the next level.

Pichot criticised the Six Nations unions of being guilty of "self-preservation and self-interest.

Fiji had a disappointing World Cup but remain the top-ranked Pacific Islands team at No 11.

Japan has been the success story of the World Cup with its dynamic run to the quarterfinals.

[Source: Stuff.co]