The Rugby World Cup just got BIGGER with more teams and new format

Reflecting World Rugby’s mission to increase the global competitiveness, reach, impact and value of international rugby, the 11th edition of the Rugby World Cup, the men’s pinnacle event, will see the world’s top teams compete for the right to lift the Webb Ellis Cup across six weeks from 1 October to 13 November, 2027.

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The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals. This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest days between matches as at France 2023.

A cornerstone of overall reform of the international calendar from 2026, this reimagination of Rugby World Cup has players and fans at heart, providing unions and international and domestic competitions with greater opportunity and certainty. It has been made possible by linked reform of World Rugby Regulation 9 governing the international windows for player release.

The Council also supported World Rugby’s desire to undertake the Pool Draw as late as possible to best reflect global competitiveness. This has been made possible by reform of the hosting model in May 2022, which sees World Rugby take greater control of key decisions and more financial risk.

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RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027 AT A GLANCE

• Rugby World Cup 2027 will be hosted between 1 October and 13 November.
• The tournament will be expanded from 20 to 24 teams.
• New reduced six-week (seven-weekend) Rugby World Cup window approved, supporting welfare, entertainment and value imperatives – pool phase reduced from five to four weeks.
• Six pools of four teams with the pool draw to take place as late as possible.
• Round of 16 to be introduced with top two teams from each pool automatically qualifying along with the best four third-placed teams.
• Decision provides certainty for all stakeholders and maintains Rugby World Cup’s position as the jewel in the crown of the international calendar.
• Details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2027 will be determined following a full review of France 2023 and consultation with unions and regions.

WHAT THE BIG BOSS SAID ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT REVAMP

Commenting on the biggest overhaul of Rugby World Cup since the inception of the tournament in 1987, World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the changes were made to increase the competitiveness of the global game.

“If we are to become a truly global sport, we must create greater relevance, opportunity and competitiveness to attract new fans and grow value.

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“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 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.”