RWC 2027 will feature 24 teams, the first expansion since 1999 when the tournament went to 20 teams from the original 16. Insiders say that Europe will get four automatic places rather than three, while Asia looks set for one guaranteed place in addition to Japan.
At present, the combined results over a twoyear period of the Rugby Europe Championship determine the three automatic qualifiers from Europe, with the fourth entering the global repechage.
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Denne historien er fra April 14, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Shadow of Eddie still hangs over Borthwick
STEVE Borthwick is in the ultimate nowin situation today against Japan at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, a game he cannot afford to lose and where a victory will mean almost nothing.
My life's a bit like spinning plates, says Lydiate
FOR Dan Lydiate, life is a bit like spinning plates these days. Having moved into a player-coach role at the Dragons, the 72cap Wales flanker is juggling those two duties with farming and family commitments.
White: We'll make it hard for the Lions
NIC White believes Australia have sent a timely reminder to the British & Irish Lions, declaring that the Wallabies will be ready for the challenge of the famed touring side when they arrive Down Under next year.
Bears' fitness not in question - Lam
BRISTOL boss Pat Lam has absolutely no concerns over the fitness of his players in the wake of Steve Borthwick comments questioning the condition of some England squad members at the start of the Autumn Nations Series.
Sleightholme shows he has pace to burn
OLLIE Sleightholme recently clocked his fastest sprint time and is racing to cement his spot as an England starter.
McGoverne says playing for Chiefs is her priority
EXETER fly-half Olivia McGoverne has opted for club over country which will rule her out of contention for New Zealand’s World Cup bid in 2025.
Trinity aim to get the culture right
HIGH-FLYING Trinity have made a remarkable turnaround this season after narrowly avoiding relegation last term, heading into this weekend unbeaten and are now eyeing up promotion from Level 7.
YOUNG GUNS
Louie Gulley experienced the environment of England U20s’ World Championship triumph up close this summerand now has a burning desire to become an age-grade star. The 19-year-old Exeter Chiefs hooker was part of Mark Mapletoft’s squad but didn’t manage to make an appearance during the tournament.
The Cherry & Whites lay down marker over Lucs
CAMBORNE maintained their lead at the top of the table with a bonus-point win against their nearest challengers in a pulsating game.
A brace from Botterill is key to victory for Esher
A highly entertaining and enthralling contest between two sides fighting at the foot of the table was eventually won by Esher after the lead had changed no less than seven times throughout an absorbing afternoon.
