There will be 20 teams for 2011
We are pleased to bring the news that sense has prevailed and the International Rugby Board (IRB) has confirmed that 20 teams will compete at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.
We like to think that the furore from supporters, pundits and most International players helped the decision forward and quashed the suggestions before this year’s event that only 16 teams would be allowed to play in four year’s time. This was said to be based on the concerns smaller nations would be uncompetitive in France, but their performances allayed these fears.
IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar said: “The developing nations at Rugby World Cup 2007 have produced significantly enhanced performances since RWC 2003.” The 2007 World Cup was won by South Africa but some of the most impressive performances came from teams previously considered to be ‘minnows’ in the world game. Fiji defeated Wales to reach the quarter-finals while Georgia came within four points of defeating Ireland and Fiji were level at 20-20 with South Africa after an hour of their quarter-final.
A further significant change means there will be 12 automatic qualifiers for 2011, rather than eight as has previously been the case. That means both Wales and Ireland are guaranteed their places in New Zealand, while Fiji and Italy join the automatic qualifiers, with of course both England and Scotland who progressed into the quarter-finals and beyond.
jonathan brown said,
December 6, 2007 @ 7:15 pm
deos anyone know if Argentina is going to be placed in the south pacific three nations tornament ??
they certanly deserve to be……….
while i’m at it ………… i’m still spewing over Paul Hoanis’s calling of the S.A. , Samoa game. I know get over it .
Peter said,
December 6, 2007 @ 9:45 pm
Hi Jonathan,
Argentina is planned to join the tri-nations but not until later see following from the IRB announcement
“World Cup surprise package Argentina have been told their future lies in the Tri-Nations rather than the Six Nations by the International Rugby Board (IRB).
The Tri-Nations is run by South Africa, New Zealand and Australia (Sanzar), who will negotiate a new TV deal in 2010.
And it will be several years at least before Argentina are admitted.
“In the short term there are major hurdles to the integration of Argentina into the southern playing structure,” said the IRB.”