RWC to remain a 20-team party

The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced that the Rugby World Cup 2011 tournament in New Zealand will comprise 20 teams.

This mirrors the number of teams that played in the last three tournaments. The decision was taken at a special meeting of council following a recommendation to the council from the Rugby World Cup Limited board.

“Prior to Rugby World Cup 2007 the IRB stated that it would review the number of participating teams for future Rugby World Cups,” said Dr Syd Millar, chaairman of the IRB and Rugby World Cup Limited.

“The reason for this review was to ensure that the tournament remains competitive and commercially attractive, that player welfare concerns are addressed and it continues to be the major promotional and financial vehicle for the continued expansion of the game.

“The IRB is committed to developing the game and achieving specific goals within the strategic plan which include increasing the number and competitiveness of unions at the top level and maximising the profile, profitability and value of Rugby World Cup.

“The developing nations at Rugby World Cup 2007 have produced significantly enhanced performances since Rugby World Cup 2003. This is a direct result of the global #30 million [$63m] IRB strategic investment programme that was established in 2005.

“Based on this plus the likelihood that surplus revenue from Rugby World Cup 2007 will provide further funds for future investment in developing nations, the council had no hesitation in approving the recommendation from the Rugby World Cup Board that 20 teams participate at the 2011 tournament.

“The successful New Zealand tender bid for Rugby World Cup 2011 was based on 20 teams. At the council meeting the motion maintaining the number of teams at Rugby World Cup at 20 was proposed by New Zealand Council member Graham Mourie. The IRB is very confident that the tournament will be a huge success.”

The playing window for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand is September and October 2011, with the final taking place on the weekend of October 22-23.

The New Zealand government has also announced that the school holidays following the third term in 2011 will be delayed by two weeks for all students in New Zealand to coincide with the final two weeks of Rugby World Cup 2011.

The Rugby World Cup 2011 qualification structure is presently being reviewed but it has already been announced that the number of automatic qualifiers will increase from 8 to 12 places.

Therefore, South Africa, England, Argentina, France, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Fiji, Wales, Ireland, Tonga and Italy have automatically qualified for the 2011 tournament as the top three teams in their respective 2007 pools.

The qualification system for the remaining eight places is currently being reviewed with regional qualification starting in 2008.