Rugby World Cup: Is a revolution on the agenda?

Rugby has been a sport in full expansion in recent years, notably with an increase in licensees according to World Rugby. However, it remains a sport that is quite closed to new developments and especially to new countries, since we very often find the same teams in the last four of the World Cup.

On September 8, the tenth World Cup in history was launched, with the best nations on the rugby planet arriving in France to compete for the Webb Ellis Trophy. For the moment there have only been five nations which have had the chance to lift this cup and they are often the same with theEnglandl’Australiathe New Zealandl’South Africa and the France.

Rugby World Cup: The French XV got scared https://t.co/yCVuid798R pic.twitter.com/Ro5jn2Xobo

— le10sport (@le10sport) September 19, 2023

Rugby, a community sport

Because rugby is clearly a closed sport, with often the same teams coming together to compete for world or even continental supremacy, with the 6 Nations Tournament where the Rugby Championship. World Rugby announced just before the World Cup a 26% increase in licensees, citing large sums invested to develop the discipline in countries like Belgiuml’Spain or even the Nigeria…but none are ultimately invited to the party. Changes are being demanded by these so-called minor countries, but we are still very far from seeing them implemented.

Gatland dreams of a 24-a-side World Cup

However, a fairly important voice from the sector was recently raised to demand an opening with Warren Gatland iconic coach of the Wales who recently faced the Portugal (28-8). « Portugal put us under pressure, they passed the ball around. They impressed me. Uruguay was excellent against France. It’s magnificent for rugby. We have seen several matches like this. It’s fantastic ” said Gatland, at a press conference. “ Portugal played very well against us, showed a lot of desire and took many initiatives, and Uruguay had bad luck against France. It’s important to develop these tier two nations, and, perhaps, we can end up with a 24-team World Cup later. In my opinion, this would help to advance our sport ».