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Rugby World Cup could be set for expansion
By Sacha Pisani
The Rugby World Cup could increase to 24 teams by 2023 as the governing body considers expanding from 20 countries.
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."
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."
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Latest Comments
Liverpool? OK, whatever you say 🤷♂️ You spelt Syringeboks wrong, need to calm down a bit and wipe the tears from your eyes.
Go to commentsThat absolute BS, when did you come up with this idea?
All three were well on track to being All Blacks. They simply decided it was smarter to take the money right now rather than slog on for another 3 or 4 years waiting for their opportunity to line up.
Many AB quality players have not even got the chance to earn a cap for heavens sake, it is simply as you suggest elsewhere, better utilization of global talent to have them qualify for another nation.
The only problem is that the ABs get all the best players, mostly because they pay more, and the island nations, even the home nations, just get those that can't make it or want a bit more limelight.
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