World Rugby announces new two-tiered Nations League-style tournament, held every two years starting in 2026
World Rugby has announced sweeping changes to its international calendar, moves that formalize the gap between Tier 1 and 2 countries but assure Canada of regular matches.
The vote to approve the changes was reportedly close with a 75 per cent majority of the 51-strong World Rugby Council required. Representation on the Council is weighted with countries such as England, New Zealand and South Africa having three representatives while Canada has one. The new calendar creates space for British and Irish Lions tours, allowing Tier 1 countries to tour during those years with possible fixtures against Tier 2 opposition.
The Canadian men will also take part in a new annual competition also involving No. 10 Fiji, No. 12 Japan, No. 15 Samoa, No. 16 Tonga and the 18th-ranked Americans, starting in 2024. The new-look World Cup, meanwhile, will feature 24 teams in six pools of four with the top two from each group plus the best four third-placed teams moving on to a new round of 16. The tournament will last six weeks with the pool phase reduced from five to four weeks.
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