World Rugby Unveils Exciting Changes: Expanded World Cup and the Birth of the Nations League
In a monumental decision, the World Rugby Council has given its stamp of approval to a game-changing international calendar that includes an expanded 24-team men’s World Cup. Additionally, rugby enthusiasts can look forward to a top division of 12 teams within the biennial Nations League concept, set to commence in 2026. This significant reform aims to address the ongoing struggles of smaller rugby unions while opening up new avenues for growth and excitement in the world of rugby.
A New Era for Rugby: World Rugby
The expansion of the 2027 World Cup in Australia marks one of the most eagerly anticipated changes. The tournament, which traditionally featured 20 teams, will now boast 24 teams. These teams will be divided into six first-round groups, each comprising four sides, promising a broader and more competitive field than ever before.
But it doesn’t stop there. In a bid to make the tournament even more exhilarating, a round of 16 has been added. This addition not only enhances the level of competition but also serves to shorten the World Cup duration from seven weeks to a more action-packed six weeks.
Unlocking the Potential of Smaller Unions
The driving force behind these monumental changes is a commitment to providing meaningful opportunities to smaller unions within the rugby world. Over the years, nations like Portugal and Fiji have shown immense promise as Tier Two sides at the World Cup in France. The time has come to empower these budding talents and allow them to shine on the global stage.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont expressed the sentiment, saying, “This incredible Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament has demonstrated the passion and potential that lies beyond the top 10 or 12 nations. It is not acceptable to accept the status quo. Not acceptable to do nothing.”
The Birth of the Nations League
While the expansion of the World Cup is undoubtedly exciting, the creation of the Nations League adds another layer of intrigue to the rugby calendar. Though specific details of the Nations League format are yet to be revealed, what we do know is that it will consist of a 12-team top division.
This top division will comprise sides from the Six Nations and Rugby Championship, with reports suggesting that Japan and Fiji will also be part of this elite group. The teams within this top division will meet every two years, during the July and November international windows, creating a regular and highly anticipated rugby extravaganza.
Promotion and Relegation
Intriguingly, the Nations League will also have a second division, consisting of a further 12 teams. This second division will be under the stewardship of World Rugby, ensuring that the development and promotion of these teams are carefully managed. While promotion and relegation are integral to sports leagues, this system will only be implemented from 2030, allowing teams to establish themselves before facing the prospect of moving up or down the ranks.
Addressing Concerns
These revolutionary changes in rugby have stirred mixed emotions in the rugby community. While the alterations are aimed at providing smaller nations with greater access to elite opposition, some critics argue that the initial structure of the Nations League resembles a ‘closed shop.’ The concern is that it may inhibit the growth of smaller unions.
However, World Rugby is keen to allay these fears. In years when the Nations League is not in progress, there will be “a significant uplift in the number of cross-over matches between unions in the respective divisions.” This strategy is designed to ensure that smaller nations have ample opportunities to compete with stronger opponents.
Empowering Women’s Rugby
In addition to these sweeping changes in the men’s game, there is great news for women’s rugby. Starting in 2026, there will be a dedicated international release window for the women’s game. This is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and enhancing the visibility of women’s rugby on the global stage. World Rugby has also promised a comprehensive review of the global calendar and competition structures in the future, reflecting a commitment to the continued growth and development of the sport.
Pacific Nations Cup Expansion
Expanding the horizons of rugby, World Rugby has also announced the launch of an annual expanded Pacific Nations Cup competition in 2024. This competition will feature Canada, Fiji, Japan, Samoa, Tonga, and the USA. This move aims to further globalize the sport, providing more opportunities for teams from diverse regions to compete and showcase their talent.
Conclusion
The world of rugby is on the brink of a new era. With an expanded World Cup, the inception of the Nations League, and a dedicated international release window for women’s rugby, these changes promise to take the sport to greater heights. While there are concerns, World Rugby’s commitment to the growth of smaller unions and its strategy to foster more cross-over matches between divisions show that it is determined to ensure that rugby thrives in all corners of the globe.
As these developments unfold, rugby fans can look forward to a more exciting and inclusive sport that offers greater opportunities for teams of all sizes to shine on the global stage. This is a remarkable moment in rugby history, and it’s one that will be celebrated by fans and players alike for years to come.