Its an older article but I think it does a good job of discussing the topic I wish to discuss. Do you think the World Rugby should expand the number of countries? From what I read this wouldn’t take affect until the 2031 Rugby World Cup being hosted in the United States. The first ever tournament to be held in the Americas. What are your thoughts?
I enjoyed the qualifying tournament from the last cricket T20 world cup. It rolled right into the main comp, so it felt part of it. More weaker teams can drink in the atmosphere of a RWC and the best (and most on form) go through to the main tournament.
Edit: it would also be cool if there was a plate tournament like in 7s for the pool losers. Might be too costly, but maybe not.
Yes, but 6 pools of 4 is icky, 4 pools of six perhaps a bit too much too, two midweeks anyone? 8 pools of 3 a possibility, then straight knock out, means some teams will get a weekend off before the knock out though
Why pools at all a possibility too, why not a straight knock out? A round zero for those ranked 17-48 to whittle it down to 32?
I think it should be expanded but Idk how the logistics of it would work lol.
A video from a year ago but better explains that by expanding and creating better competition between tier 1 & tier 2 nations it improves the game and will help continue to grow Rugby.
It looks pretty big in the picture…
I just don’t think it works from a player management perspective. There are teams that limp through to the later stages riddled with injuries.
That’s a good point, I wonder if they extended the matches but that could cause disruption to the host country. It’s tough call and I’m glad I’m not the one who has to make that decision.
