IRB may cut world cup teams

IRB may cut world cup teams

Friday, May 11, 2007

The International Rugby Board (IRB) is considering cutting the number of teams taking part in the World Cup from 20 to 16, the sport's ruling body said in a statement.

The IRB is concerned about the number of one-sided matches at recent World Cups involving the smaller rugby nations, a trend likely to continue at this year's 20-team tournament in France.

Australia ran in 22 tries to beat Namibia 142-0 in 2003 and New Zealand crushed Japan 145-17 in 1995, the two most one-sided matches in World Cup history.

The IRB also announced changes to the qualifying system for the World Cup with a view to reducing the number of international matches.

"In recognition of the amount of rugby now being played and the implications on the establishment of an integrated season the RWC board has decided that there should be 12 automatic qualifying places for future tournaments," IRB chairman Syd Millar said.

The top three teams in each World Cup group, starting this year, will qualify automatically for the next tournament.

The IRB is introducing a World Trophy qualifying tournament the year before the World Cup, a move designed to make the second and third tier teams more competitive.

"The World Trophy tournament, played at one venue, with places determined from the regional championship competitions will be highly competitive," Millar said.

"The tournament along with the upgrading of the regional championships will replace the existing qualifying process that has in the past duplicated existing match schedules and the repechage process that sees teams qualify very late in the lead up to RWC," Millar added.

The World Cup starts on Sept. 7 with hosts France playing Argentina in Paris. The final takes place in the French capital on Oct. 20.

Reuters