Plans to increase World Cup
RUGBY is to follow football’s example and increase the size of its World Cup.
A year after FIFA voted to go from 32 teams to 48 in 2026, rugby union chiefs have decided to expand from 20 to 24.
The change could come in as soon as 2023 when France hosts the tournament for the first time since 2007.
World Rugby boss Brett Gosper said: “The tendency for us is to try and look to expand. It’s growing the global game, so it’s just a question of when rather than if.
“We want to make sure the teams are competitive enough to move to a 24-team tournament. We haven’t decided on 2023 yet but we could change between now and then.”
The exact timing of the expansion could be influenced by the performance of the minnow nations at next year’s tournament in Japan.
World Rugby is keen to play down the prospect of a mismatch when the Pool B repechage winner - most likely Canada or Hong
Kong - face all-conquering New Zealand in Oita on October 2.
“We’ll work hard after that team qualifies to ensure they’ve got all the technical coaches they need - as we do for each World Cup,” Gosper said. “We are confident that team that qualifies will be competitive enough, even against the All Blacks.” Meanwhile, the owners of the clubs that comprise Premiership Rugby meet in London today to discuss an offer from private equity to give up 51 per cent of the league in exchange for £275million.