According to those on the ground in France, the answer is “yes”. World Rugby, the non-governing governing body, considers it to be a good idea – which, you may think, automatically makes it a bad one – and we can therefore expect the new format to be unveiled when Australia (remember them?) stage the global gathering in 2027.
A hardened cynic might be tempted to suspect that this “growth strategy” is all about the United States, the wealthiest nation in the Americas by an immeasurable distance but only fourth best when it comes to rugby.
The Eagles failed to find their way into the current tournament, which was a bit of a bugger for the governing classes who, with dollar signs in their eyes, had just awarded them the 2031 hosting rights. The thought of the Yanks messing up a second time may or may not have exercised a few minds in the boardroom.
Needless to say, the NGGB will flag up Portugal’s captivating victory over the Fijians as evidence of the Tier Two brigade closing in on the traditional elite. But Fiji, for all their talents, are still a Tier Two nation themselves – in commercial terms, they hover around Tier Eight – and if we look at the 40-match pool stage just ended, the dial has moved barely a millimetre in the right direction.
Denne historien er fra October 15, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra October 15, 2023-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
