Six Nations chiefs want to reward “try-scoring and an attacking style of play” after yesterday introducing bonus points for this season’s flagship tournament.

The Six Nations Council announced that a bonus points system will be trialled in the 2017 championship, plus the women’s and Under-20 competitions, before it is reviewed.

Among those welcoming the move was 2015 World Cup final referee Welshman Nigel Owens, who tweeted: “Great idea. Have been a supporter of bringing it in for a while. Well done Six Nations.”