Categories: Sports

World Rugby unveils qualification format for 2023 World Cup

World Rugby has announced the qualification process for the 2023 World Cup in France aimed at promoting a “genuine opportunity” for all unions, the game’s global body said on Monday.

Twelve teams — South Africa, England, New Zealand, Wales, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina and Fiji — have already qualified by virtue of their top three finishes in their respective pools at last year’s World Cup. Seven of the eight remaining spots will be finalised via regional and cross-regional qualifiers, while a four-team round-robin tournament will determine the final qualifier.

“The process that has been developed via full consultation with our regional associations and member unions will provide a genuine opportunity for full member unions to qualify for our showcase men’s 15s event,” World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said in a statement.

The Americas and the Rugby Europe Championship will deliver two direct qualifiers each, while Oceania and the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup will deliver one apiece.

A playoff between Oceania and Asia will determine the final direct qualifier.

The third-best team in the Americas, the third-placed finisher in the Rugby Europe Championship and the runner-up in the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup will occupy three of the four spots in the final qualification tournament.

The loser of the Asia-Oceania playoff will take up the final spot in the repechage tournament, scheduled for November 2022.

South Africa are the world champions, having beaten England 32-12 in last year’s final in Japan.

Thanuka

Recent Posts

LNP – President calls on state employees to fulfill people’s aspirations

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake stated that if the current government fails to meet the expectations…

23 hours ago

LNP – Discrepancies in issuance of permits to expatriate workers to import electric vehicles

There have been abuses in the issuance of permits for expatriate workers to import electric…

1 day ago

LNP – Third review approved by IMF, SL to get next US$ 333 million tranche

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reached a staff level agreement with Sri Lankan authorities, paving…

1 day ago

LNP – Sri Lanka: One of the best ethical and sustainable sourcing destinations

Sri Lanka Embassy in Brussels participated at the European Parliament “Fair Trade Breakfast-2024”, on 13…

2 days ago

LNP – Jetstar Asia eyes Colombo as key market for regional growth and tourism

etstar Asia yesterday launched its Colombo-Singapore direct route positioning itself as the only low-cost carrier…

2 days ago

LNP – Sri Lanka revealed as most popular solo travel destination for 2025

Solo travellers are getting older and are increasingly drawn to Asian destinations – with Sri…

2 days ago