World Rugby has unveiled a new 2027 format for the Rugby World Cup (RWC), expanding the tournament to 24 teams, amid ongoing concerns over whether Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi will participate in the upcoming 2023 RWC final.
2027 RWC format changes: Here’s what you must know
The governing body for the sport announced on Tuesday that the 2027 RWC, to be hosted in Australia, will feature 24 teams competing from 1 October to 13 November 2023.
The decision aims to “provide more qualification opportunities for more teams and regional competitions,” according to an official statement.
The new format will have six pools of four teams each and will introduce a round of 16 before the quarter-finals.
These changes enable a reduction in the tournament window from seven to six weeks, maintaining the same minimum number of rest days between matches.
‘We must create greater relevance’ – World Rugby’s Sir Beaumont
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont elaborated on the decision, stating that the expansion is part of a broader mission to make the sport more globally competitive.
“If we are to become a truly global sport, we must create greater relevance, opportunity, and competitiveness,” Beaumont said.
This initiative aims to attract new fans and grow the sport’s value by providing more opportunities for teams beyond the top 10 or 12 nations.
Business as usual or diversion from Bongi Mbonambi tensions?
The announcement comes at a time when Springboks hooker Bongi Mbonambi is under scrutiny for an alleged racial slur against England’s Tom Curry during last Saturday’s RWC semi-final.
World Rugby recently confirmed that the incident is under review, albeit England Rugby has yet to file an official complaint.
Coincidentally, new footage of the fiery encounter between Mbonambi and Tom Curry surfaced online, offering a different perspective on the Springbok hooker’s choice of words and, more importantly, who they were intended for.
At this juncture, Mbonambi’s participation in the upcoming 2023 RWC final against the All Blacks remains a subject of heated contention online.
Details of the qualification process for the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be determined following a full review of France 2023 and consultation with unions and regions.