World Rugby chief Gilpin promises end to lopsided World Cup draws

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has said draws for future Rugby World Cups will be better balanced following complaints about the lopsided format of this year's edition in France.

The draw for a 2023 World Cup starting in September was made back in 2020.

But the world rankings have changed markedly during the past three years and, as a consequence, the top four sides in the current standings -- Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa-- are all on the same side of the draw.

Only two of the top four will make it into the semi-finals.

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Furthermore, top-ranked Ireland, reigning champions South Africa and Scotland are all in the same pool, meaning one of those teams will be eliminated before the last eight.

By contrast England, for all they won just two of their five matches this Six Nations, look to have a far easier route to the semi-finals on the other side of the draw.

Gilpin said future draws would no longer take place so far out from a tournament, with World Rugby looking to follow the example of football, where draws for the World Cup and European Championships are made less than a year out from the start of a major event.

Asked if he accepted supporters' frustrations about this year's Rugby World Cup draw, Gilpin - speaking at the SportsPro Live conference in London - replied: "Absolutely, and I understand, too, the frustrations of coaches and players."

He added: "The lopsided half is because of the draw timing. We are using the world rankings, which is the best reflection of the relative strength and weakness of teams but if it is done in a certain point of time compared to now then it can become outdated."

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