So are the Lions a tradition that is worth hanging onto in this Pro era?

First topic message reminder :

There has been a lot of topics written and discussed about the B+I Lions over the last few months, but there have been one or two of us that are of the opinion that maybe the Lions has run its course and perhaps maybe the home nations should look to build their teams so that they are able to beat the SH teams on their own, as imo we have the players (even Scotland can punch above their weight)

So are the Lions a tradition that is worth hanging onto in this Pro era or do you see at as nothing more than an exercise to make a few quid for the host nation, inflate a few egos and sell some shirts for Adidas?

Thought it would be fun to have a Poll to see what each Nations fans think.   

No 7&1/2 wrote:Would a European Cup be a money spinner or help develop other nations if its held every 4 years? It would basically be the 6 Nations with a more thrashings of the smaller nations. I'd love to see the 2nd tier get more coverage and possibly promotion and relegation between but this doesn't have to affect the Lions.

Giving more tv coverage to the second tier '6 Nations' makes a lot of sense. Romania, Georgia, Russia, Canada, US, Wales (OK little joke. How about Spain or Portugal?). Could have some attractive Rugby.

A European Cup instead of a Lions tour would at least be a potential money spinner. Having the 6N teams plus say another 6 European sides in four groups of three with the top two going through to the knockout stages would be a decent competition. If the group stages were held in four different (developing) countries it could allow their home fans to see their own team in a high profile competition. In this way these countries would get both a rugby and financial benefit with the incentive to keep qualifying as some of them may not make the RWC.

There are far more benefits for the 6N sides as well than from the Lions. They get more used to the RWC type format operating with a limited squad and the chance of a prestigious trophy at the end of it.