The prospect of a 24-team lineup at the upcoming Rugby World Cup looms larger than ever, spurred on by the remarkable showings of emerging nations in the current tournament.
Contemplating a revolutionary shift, organisers are mulling over a ‘Swiss model’ pool stage, akin to those embraced by the Heineken Cup and football’s Champions League.
The topic of World Cup expansion has taken center stage during the ongoing tournament, with World Rugby closely scrutinizing proceedings before making a pivotal decision on whether to extend the competition by adding four more teams come 2027.
Alan Gilpin, the esteemed chief executive of the organization, has staunchly thrown his support behind this ambitious expansion initiative.
He expressed to Telegraph Sport, “the signs are very positive,” buoyed by the impressive performances of teams such as Chile and Portugal on the hallowed grounds of France.
However, the notion of expansion carries its own set of formidable challenges. The current 20-team competition already stands as one of the lengthiest world championships in any sporting discipline, spanning a grueling seven weeks.
As the rugby world eagerly awaits the verdict, the sport stands on the precipice of a monumental transformation that could reshape the landscape of the Rugby World Cup for years to come.
PARTNERS LINKS:
- Win a signed England jersey with Charles Tyrwhitt
- Find your local Greene King pub to watch the rugby
- Secure your seat for the Six Nations with viagogo
- Visit our World Cup travel guide with Omio
TIER ONE NATIONS RANKED BY NO. OF FOREIGN-BORN PLAYERS:
Scotland (15)
WP Nel (South Africa), Pierre Schoeman (South Africa), Javan Sebastian (England), Ewan Ashman (Canada), Sam Skinner (England), Jack Dempsey (Australia), Hamish Watson (England), Ali Price (England), Ben White (England), Ben Healy (Ireland), Chris Harris (England), Cameron Redpath (France), Sione Tuipulotu (Australia), Kyle Steyn (South Africa), Duhan van der Merwe (South Africa).
Italy (11)
Ivan Nemer (Argentina), Hame Faiva (New Zealand), Dino Lamb (England), David Sisi (Germany), Toa Halafihi (New Zealand), Sebastian Negri (Zimbabwe), Martin Page-Relo (France), Juan Ignacio Brex (Argentina), Ange Capuozzo (France), Monty Ioane (Australia), Paolo Odogwu (England),
Wales (10)
Taulupe Faletau (Tonga), Tomas Francis (England), Dan Lydiate (England), Will Rowlands (England), Henry Thomas (England), Christ Tshiunza (Democratic Republic of the Congo), Gareth Anscombe (New Zealand), George North (England), Nick Tompkins (England), Johnny Williams (England),