World Rugby confirms 24-team World Cup from 2027, 'Nations Cup' from 2026

The men's Rugby World Cup will enlarge from 20 nations to 24 for its next edition in Australia in 2027, World Rugby announced on Tuesday.

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The sport's governing body said in a statement the move would "provide more qualification opportunities for more teams and regional competitions".

The World Rugby Council has approved transformational reform of the global men’s and women’s rugby calendars Including the first-ever dedicated women’s and men’s calendars from 2026 and expansion of Rugby World Cup to 24 teams in 2027To find out more: https://t.co/iQln1BcIid

Meanwhile, World Rugby also confirmed a new bi-annual international competition from 2026, comprising a top division of 12 teams from the Six Nations and the southern hemisphere's Rugby Championship., World Rugby said on Tuesday.

Two further countries - thought likely to be Japan and Fiji - will be invited to make up the dozen with matches being played in July and November.