Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Rugby World Cup could be set for expansion

NZ lift the Rugby World Cup in 2015

The Rugby World Cup could increase to 24 teams by 2023 as the governing body considers expanding from 20 countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

Japan will host the 2019 World Cup, with next year’s tournament to feature 20 teams – New Zealand looking to claim a third successive title.

Canada, Kenya, Hong Kong and Germany will contest a round-robin play-off event in Marseille to decide who qualifies for the 2019 showpiece.

However, France 2023 could include four more nations, according to World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper.

“We’re always looking from an expansive point of view rather than reducing so it’s just a question of when rather than if,” Gosper said.

“We want to make sure the teams are competitive enough to move to a 24-team tournament. We have assumed 20 for 2023 but we could change that between now and 2023.

“The tendency for us is to try and look to expand. It’s about growing the global game – getting interest from fans and commercial interest in new markets.

“But you’ve got to make sure you’ve got the teams. We’re definitely in an expansive mindset, is how I’d put it.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Amid concerns of a mismatch against the likes of the All Blacks at the World Cup, Gosper added: “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.

“We are confident that team that qualifies will be competitive enough, even against the All Blacks.”

You may also like: Wallabies duo Beale and Samu ahead of Pumas test

Video Spacer

ADVERTISEMENT

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Men's Highlights

HSBC SVNS Singapore 2025 | Day Two Women's Highlights

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 39 | The Investec Champions Cup is back

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? | New Zealand & Australia | Sevens Wonders | Episode 5

Kobelco Kobe Steelers vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The Rise of Kenya | The Report

The Fixture: How This Rugby Rivalry Has Lasted 59 Years

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

0 Comments
Be the first to comment...

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING Leinster lose James Ryan but another Ireland star back in mix Leinster lose James Ryan but another Ireland star returns
Search