World Rugby insists more opportunity for tier-two nations is priority for future

Raffaele Storti David Costa celebrate Portugal's victory over Fiji in their Rugby World Cup Pool C match at the Stade de Toulouse. Pic: Valentine Chapuis/AFP via Getty Images

World Rugby has insisted providing developing nations with higher-level matches more frequently is at the “top of our agenda”.

The inspirational displays of teams such as Portugal at the Rugby World Cup – alongside the disappointing efforts of Italy – have intensified debate on the global game’s structure.