20 nations for RWC in NZ

[Flamethrower]

20 nations for RWC in NZ
Saturday, 05 January 2008
20 nations for RWC in NZ - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz


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

That means there is no change to the number of competing nations compared to the previous three editions of the World Cup.

There had been speculation the IRB might restrict the 2011 tournament to 16 teams to do away with many of the one-sided contests which have littered past tournaments.

However, IRB chairman Syd Millar today said the status quo would remain.

"Prior to RWC 2007 the IRB stated that it would review the number of participating teams for future Rugby World Cups," he said on the IRB's website.

"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."

-NZPA

[slomo]

can't wait!!!.... roll on 2011..

[jono]

whos going to fill canada's spot seeing as they retired from international rugby?

[Burgs]

Are you making a witty reference to a RWC performance or have you actually heard something Jono?
I'd be surprised if the Canucks are going away just yet.

[jono]

no i remember it was said after they were knocked out of the world cup. like in the post game coverage of their last pool game.

[Burgs]

There's certainly no reference to it that I can find on their website.
May have been taken out of context perhaps.
There is too much development happening in Canada and with the US for them to be pulling out.

[jono]

fair enough.
i stand corrected then

[GIGS20]

Although with Morgan Williams retiring, and the fact that they are not automatic qualifiers, you might just be ahead of your time there Jono.

[Burgs]

Under the "Americas" Pool they are pretty safe bet though.
Argentina will be auto's for (I think) their first time, leaving two qualifiers in the US and Canada.
I'd be tipping at those two being the "success story" of 2011, after the Wallabies of course
There is a huge amount of money and effort going into developing their domestic comps in both countries.

[GIGS20]

Oooh yeah I forgot it was regional qualification........ignore my last post!

[slomo]

whos going to fill canada's spot seeing as they retired from international rugby?

a shame if its true as they had quite a large and vocal support in bordeaux for their two pool games in rwc 2007, they had a larger support in group b than japan and fiji.....

[jono]

dont hold me to that!

[jazza93]

good decision irb