World Cup goes up by four teams with new Nations League starting in 2026 with promotion and relegation from 2030
2019 Rugby World Cup Pool A, International Stadium, Yokohama, Japan 22/9/2019 Ireland vs Scotland The William Webb Ellis Cup Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridanand a top division of 12 teams in a Nations League concept from 2026 that will have promotion and relegation but only from 2030.
It is a major reform of a sport that is struggling to provide meaningful opportunities to smaller unions, and comes at a time when the likes of Portugal and Fiji have shown the promise of Tier Two sides at the World Cup in France. World Rugby say the changes have been made to allow those nations greater access to play elite opposition, but there has been criticism that the initial ‘closed shop’ nature of the Nations League will hinder this.
There will also be a first ever dedicated international release window in the women’s game from 2026, with a review of the global calendar and competition structures promised in the future.
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