24 Teams to Contest 2027 Rugby World Cup With a Later Draw
Following the World Rugby Council’s approval of a change to the competition format, window and timing, the men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup, set to be played in Australia, will now feature 24 teams. The ongoing 2023 World Cup had 20 nations represented at its outset.
The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added before the quarter-finals. The change will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks. According to the WRC, it will also “promote a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023”.
The most successful country in World Cup Rugby history, New Zealand will be one of 24 nations contesting the 2027 competition. ©World Rugby
Recognising frustrations about the draw for this year’s event being made in December 2020 – a full 33 months ahead of the tournament – the Council has also supported World Rugby’s desire to undertake the Pool Draw as late as possible. The change is designed “to best reflect global competitiveness”.
For the 2027 World Cup, the draw will take place 20 months ahead of the event at the conclusion of the November internationals. This year, the early draw meant the top four teams in the world, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and France, met in the tournament’s quarter-final stage.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Details
- Rugby World Cup 2027 will be hosted between October 1 and November 13.
- The tournament will be expanded from 20 to 24 teams.
- Reduced six-week (seven-weekend) Rugby World Cup window – supporting welfare, entertainment and value imperatives. The pool phase will be cut from five weeks to four.
- A round of 16 will be introduced, with the top two teams from each pool automatically qualifying along with the best four third-placed teams.
- Details of the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification process will be determined following a full review of France 2023 and consultation with unions and regions.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont commented on the changes: “If we are to become a truly global sport, we must create greater relevance, opportunity and competitiveness to attract new fans and grow value.”
“This incredible Rugby World Cup 2023 tournament has demonstrated the passion and potential that lies beyond the top 10 or 12 nations if we think big and think inclusive. It is not acceptable to accept the status quo. Not acceptable to do nothing.”
“The decision to expand Rugby World Cup 2027 to 24 teams is logical and the right thing to do. Underpinned by a new global calendar that increases certainty and opportunity, we are focused on raising standards, closing the gaps and creating a spectacle that fans demand to see. With its love of sport and major events, Australia is the perfect place to do just that.”
The tale of the 2023 World Cup Final tape. ©World Rugby
All Blacks Attract All the Money Ahead of Cup Final
South Africa – available on 5/1 at the start of the year and 7/2 at the beginning of the 2023 World Cup – is trading on 11/10 for Saturday’s World Cup final. The UK’s leading Rugby World Cup betting sites have New Zealand quoted on 8/11.
The All Blacks, who trounced Namibia 71-3, Italy 96-17, and Uruguay 73-0 in the Group stages, have been subject to solid support throughout the week. Following the team’s 44-6 semi-final victory over Argentina, the 1987, 2011 and 2015 winners could be backed on even-money.
