World Rugby open to larger World Cup squads but requests came too late for Japan 2019

World Rugby bosses have hit back at claims 31-man World Cup squads threaten player welfare by insisting top coaches left their objections too late to have any effect for the 2019 tournament in Japan.

Ireland boss Joe Schmidt has criticised the 31-man World Cup limit, suggesting that is not enough players to attack a global tournament without compromising safety.