RSS

Syndicated Content

Published: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 1:46 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 2:03 PM

Rugby World Cup to be expanded to 24 teams in 2027

RSS

Syndicated Content

Published: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 1:46 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 2:03 PM

By Duncan Bech, England Rugby Correspondent

The next World Cup will be expanded to 24 teams as part of a new global calendar approved by World Rugby’s council.

The change that will come into effect for Australia 2027 is intended to provide more qualification opportunities for emerging nations as well as regional competitions.

Further details of the revised format for the group stage will be announced at a World Rugby press conference on Tuesday afternoon.

Twitter

A new bi-annual international competition is also to be launched in 2026, comprising of two divisions of 12 teams with promotion and relegation commencing from 2030.

The matches will take place in the July and November international windows.

RSS

Syndicated Content

Published: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 1:46 PM

Last updated: Tue 24 Oct 2023, 2:03 PM

National Sports

Heimir Hallgrimsson urges Ireland to forget demoralising England defeat

Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish saw England home in some comfort.

National Entertainment

Nicole Kidman unable to collect Venice best actress award after death of mother

Speaking to the audience at the festival via a note read out by director Halina Reijn, Kidman said her ‘heart is broken’.

Oasis confirm invites for private Wembley ballot will be sent overnight

It comes after the band extended their Live ’25 tour to include two more London shows on September 27th and 28th

National Sports

Roy Keane slams FAI during Ireland v England coverage

Roy Keane made a brutal dig at FAI executives as he spoke on ITV before the Ireland vs England game on Saturday