Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
World Rugby have lifted the lid on a new global women’s competition – dubbed the ‘WXV’ – that will involve 16 teams spread across three tiers beginning in 2023. It’s a welcome boost to the game following the recent decision to delay Rugby World Cup 2021 by one year.
The competition will take place in a newly constructed window that runs from September to October. Each team will play three tests in that space. There will be no competition during World Cup years.
According to the media release competitors in each of the three tiers will be determined each year through regional qualifying tournaments, though it also confusingly refers to promotion and relegation between the three tiers. Further clarification will be required as to the particulars.
For Canada and the USA there is an additional feature – the creation of an annual competition also featuring Australia and New Zealand that will serve as a ‘regional’ qualifier for the top tier. It appears this will, in effect, replace the Super Series which does not get a mention in the media release.
To help support participating unions cover the cost, World Rugby have committed £6.4 million ($8.9 million USD). The investment will help expedite the development of aspiring World Cup nations with the flagship competition set to return to 16 teams in 2025.
