Rugby World Cup 2027 Gets a Massive Boost with 24 Teams

In a groundbreaking move, the upcoming men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, set to take place in Australia, will witness the participation of 24 teams. This historic transformation of the competition format, window, and timing has been greenlit by the World Rugby Council. The changes are part of a global effort to enhance the competitiveness of the sport and provide more opportunities for nations to make their mark on the world stage.

This monumental revamp of the Rugby World Cup 2027 format, along with the updated calendar, represents the most significant change since the tournament’s inception in 1987. The move aligns with World Rugby’s mission to elevate the global reach, impact, and value of international rugby.

The 11th edition of the men’s pinnacle event is scheduled to unfold over six weeks, commencing on October 1 and culminating on November 13, 2027. This extended format will feature six pools of four teams, followed by a round of 16 before reaching the quarter-finals. These changes will condense the tournament window from seven to six weeks, ensuring a rhythm that builds momentum during the pool phase, while also respecting the minimum number of rest days between matches, akin to the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

This overhaul of the international rugby calendar from 2026 is designed with players and fans in mind, offering unions and international and domestic competitions increased opportunities and certainty. It is made possible by reforms to World Rugby Regulation 9, which governs international player release windows.

Here’s a quick overview of the Rugby World Cup 2027 changes:

The tournament will take place from October 1 to November 13.
The competition will expand to accommodate 24 teams.
The Rugby World Cup window has been shortened to six weeks (from seven weekends), balancing welfare, entertainment, and value considerations. The pool phase will be reduced from five to four weeks.
A round of 16 will be introduced, with the top two teams from each pool automatically qualifying, along with the four best third-placed teams.
This decision provides certainty for all stakeholders and maintains the Rugby World Cup’s status as the crowning jewel of the international rugby calendar.
Details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2027 will be determined after a comprehensive review of the 2023 event in France, in consultation with unions and regions.

The Council also supports World Rugby’s desire to conduct the Pool Draw as late as possible to accurately reflect global competitiveness. This flexibility is made possible by the 2022 reform of the hosting model, giving World Rugby more control over crucial decisions and financial aspects.

World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont emphasized the need to evolve the sport to become truly global, appealing to new fans, and increasing value. The expansion of Rugby World Cup 2027 to 24 teams is seen as a logical and necessary step to achieve these goals. Australia, with its love for sports and major events, is considered the ideal host for this exciting journey.

Independent chairman of the Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 Board, Sir Rod Eddington, expressed his enthusiasm for the decision, noting that it will provide clarity and enable the Local Operating Company to finalize hosting details for the Rugby World Cup in Australia. Collaboration with the Australian Government, state and territory governments, and Rugby Australia will be integral to the success of this venture.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin lauded the decision, calling it the culmination of a process that began in May 2022. He stressed that the reduced pool phase, a more regular match schedule, and the introduction of the round of 16 will make the competition even more captivating and competitive, all while preserving player welfare, a significant step forward for the sport and a treat for fans and players alike.