World Rugby announces new Nations League format and 24-team World Cup

It is understood that the vote was only narrowly passed with concerns over the fact that the new biannual tournament will have promotion and relegation only from 2030.

Tue, 24 Oct, 2023 - 14:07

Guardian sport and Reuters

The World Rugby Council has approved a new aligned international calendar, expanded 24-team men’s World Cup and a top division of 12 teams in a Nations League concept from 2026 in a controversial major reform of the sport.

It is understood that the vote was only narrowly passed with concerns over the fact that the new biannual tournament will have promotion and relegation only from 2030, with critics fearing a preservation of the status quo in a sport that has struggled to provide meaningful opportunities to smaller unions.