A few days ahead the big final, the eternal classic New Zealand – South Africa, that will seal once more the Rugby World Cup title outside Europe, against all odds in 2023, a major announcement has been made: from 2027, the competition, held then in Australia, will not have 20 nations participating anymore, but 24! Is this good? Depends… In 2023, we saw major surprises, we saw the rise of Fiji, Portugal or Georgia performing wonderful, Argentina reaching the semifinals, France and Ireland put down by the eternal giants from the south, even though, more than ever, the trophy looked to be destined to Europe. We already know half of the teams qualified!
12 teams already qualified at the Rugby World Cup 2027, as usual
The rules say that the first three in each group are securing a spot for the next Rugby World Cup edition and since the spread of this sport is not huge, then everything makes sense. But 24 now? Will this be better… Could be, marketing needs to grab a piece of rugby as well and to boost a sport that is well underrated, comparing football, even if it doesn’t deserve this state. So… how did the announcement sound like? Check it here. As said, the competition will be hosted by Australia, from 1st of October until 13th of November. Australia underperformed severely this time, but a tournament hosted could be exactly what they need to restart alongside:
- South Africa
- New Zealand
- Fiji
- France
- Ireland
- England
- Wales
- Scotland
- Italy
- Argentina
- Japan
What next?
Yep, all of them will be there, in 2027, at the historic event: first Rugby World Cup with 24 nations. Which ones will fill the qualifiers? I would say that… Uruguay, Namibia, Portugal, Georgia, Tonga and Samoa, as we saw them play, normally would be there – well, Namibia was not the greatest, but it still remains the second strongest nation in Africa after South Africa. Then, six more names to be determined… Chile can go once more, maybe USA, Spain or Canada… We will enjoy the process, that is for sure!
Photo source: rugbyworldcup.com