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With the 2019 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, plans for following international calendars are emerging, with World Rugby pitching a 12-team ‘league of nations’ tournament.
In a tournament which would pit the top 12 international sides alongside each other during November of each year, the aim would be to increase the importance of every Test match.
It’s likely the new tournament would be based on world rugby rankings if given the green light, with the host nation alternating between the Southern and Northern Hemisphere each year. It’s unclear, however, if the tournament would be put on hold during World Cup years or simply moved to accommodate rugby’s showpiece.
The 12 nations at the tournament would be split into three pools for the competition, with a round robin and knockout stage to follow before a final to determine the champions.
Based on the current world rankings, the teams to qualify for the tournament would be New Zealand, Ireland, Wales, England, South Africa, Scotland, Australia, France, Argentina, Fiji, Japan and Tonga.
It’s understood the idea was pitched by World Rugby vice-chairman Gus Pichot. Speaking to the media, World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said over half of all internationals are friendlies, however, he confirmed there would be no changes to the calendar.
“There’s a number of models out there but I think ultimately (a North vs South competition) would help add more meaning to a Six Nations or a Championship so it could only be good news for everyone,” he said.
“At the moment 56 per cent of the games in international rugby in the world are friendlies and that’s what we’re looking at and maybe swinging it back towards more meaningful, competitive games and that may be even with interaction north and south.
“We’re looking at a number of different, potential models but certainly the calendar isn’t something we’re seeking to change.”
It’s been said in recent weeks that the World Cup could be expanded as early as the 2023 edition, set to be held in France.
Gosper hinted a 24-team tournament could be used if they can strike the right balance between expansion and quality.
“We’re always looking from an expansive point of view rather than reducing so it’s just a question of when rather than if,” the World Rugby boss said.
“We want to make sure the teams are competitive enough to move to a 24-team tournament. We have assumed 20 for 2023 but we could change that between now and 2023.”