Andrew Goodman: World Rugby's Nations Championship is 'a work in progress'

Andrew Goodman believes World Rugby's new 'Nations Championship' could have a positive effect on the game, but only if Tier 2 sides can still get exposure to games against Tier 1 opposition.

World Rugby have confirmed that the 2027 World Cup in Australia is to be expanded from 20 to 24 teams, while they also passed through their proposal for a so-called 'Nations Championship' which will take place bi-annually from 2026.

The new competition will see the Six Nations sides, the four SANZAAR nations, as well as two more countries (expected to be Fiji and Japan) competing in a 12-team league which will be played across the July and November international windows.

A second 12-team division will operate below it, but with promotion and relegation not set to come into effect until 2030, there has been criticism the new format will make the rich richer rather than make the game more competitive globally.

Leinster's attack coach Goodman worked with Samoa during the World Cup, with his side almost defeating England in their final Pool D game, as well as running Ireland close during the warm-ups.

And the New Zealander says it's imperative the Tier 2 nations get better exposure to quality opposition.

"Its definitely a work in progress, something we need to keep chipping away and find time to do," he said.

"For example, the November series when we've come over in the past, if it's two games against Tier 2, we need a game against a Tier 1 nation. It could be one a year, or two a year if we can, trying to find even Argentina, those kind of games in the hemisphere that might be a little easier to organise.

"It's definitely something I know the Samoan union are working on very hard to try see when those timeslots could be."

World Rugby CEO Alan