World Rugby has announced sweeping changes to its international calendar, moves that formalize the gap between Tier 1 and 2 nations but assure Canada of regular matches.
The world governing body also confirmed the men's World Cup will increase to 24 teams from 20 starting in 2027 in Australia, good news for the 23rd-ranked Canadians who are watching the current tournament in France from the sidelines after missing out on the sport's showcase for the first time ever.
Rugby Canada CEO Nathan Bombrys, who was in Paris for the deliberations, declined to say how Canada voted other than to say:"Canada is in favour of fixtures, of getting consistent games of rugby for Canada. So we're excited by these changes.""Total gaslighting BS by World Rugby saying Tier 2 Nations to be given more 'support.' Technically they have provided the hammer & nails for our coffins," he tweeted.
The Canadian men have taken their lumps at the hands of Tier 1 opposition the few times they have met in recent years. Canada was thumped 66-7 by South Africa, 63-0 by England and 48-7 by Italy at the 2019 World Cup in Japan."That's great. That's what we want," he said. The rebranded Pacific Nations Cup, to be played in August and September, will feature a North America/Japan pool and a Pacific Islands pool.
World Rugby says the qualification pathway for the 2027 World Cup"will be determined following a full review of France 2023 and consultation with unions and regions."
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