New Rugby World Cup format dismissed as ‘dog s***’ by legend

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World Rugby’s move to expand the tournament from 20 to 24 teams has replaced the traditional four pools of five with six pools of four.

O’Callaghan insists the redesign has drained away all early-stage drama, declaring there is now “zero interest” in the pools and no chance of a true group of death.

Speaking on 

The Offload podcast, he didn’t hold back: “I just think the new format is absolute dog s*… You are going to be able to get there by winning just one match.”**

He warned the new round of 16 will only produce mismatches, with teams advancing despite heavy deficits in previous games. Pointing to one-sided scorelines involving Portugal and Hong Kong, he argued: “Are we not better off giving those teams the money… and just saying, ‘Get better in the time being in some way’.”

O’Callaghan mocked the buzz around Ireland once again drawing Scotland, insisting both sides will stroll through a pool also featuring Uruguay and Portugal. “It’s bananas,” he said, predicting fans won’t see meaningful contests until the quarter-finals.

Still, he admitted the draw offers a clear path: Georgia in the round of 16, Argentina in a quarter-final, then possibly England.
“Just get beyond the quarters, that’s enough,” he said, urging a psychological reset.

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!