The Rugby World Cup needs global repechage. Wait, what? There already is one is there not? In actuality no. While it is true that Pool B of Japan 2019 will have the Repechage Winner and Pool A the Play-Off Winner the system favors particular regions over others. The Repechage Winner could, in …
Read More »24 Team Rugby World Cup ‘Far Away’
A 24 Team Rugby World Cup is ‘Far Away’. Unión de Rugby del Uruguay (URU) President Sebastián Piñeyrua noted to Ignacio Chans of Referi that the chances of expanding from 20 to 24 teams is unlikely. “I don’t believe that it would be so simple, the World Cup is already …
Read More »28 Countries Chasing 8 Vacancies at RWC 2019
There are a total of 28 countries chasing the remaining 8 vacancies at Rugby World Cup 2019. These countries are from all of World Rugby’s designated regions. In the case of the Americas the regions of Rugby Americas North and Sudamérica Rugby are combined for the purposes of Rugby World Cup …
Read More »Up and Under – RWC 2019 Special Edition
The pools are in. Rugby World Cup 2019 will be as exciting as any before. The spread of teams across the pools is relatively even, albeit there are winners as there are losers. In this special edition of Up and Under we put them under the microscope. UP Pool C It’s official, …
Read More »World Rugby announces changes to Eligibility regulations
The votes are in, and the changes promised and spearheaded by World Rugby Vice-Chairman Agustín Pichot have been made. In fact the changes to Regulation 8 regarding international regulations have gone beyond what was hoped. The changes not only affect residency but also the ‘capturing’ of u20 and sevens players. …
Read More »Rugby World Cup 2019 Draw Revealed
The draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan has been made, and the Americas will not sleep easy after the results. Argentina have seen their fears realised as they have been drawn in the dreaded ‘Pool of Death’, in this case Pool C, along with Tier 1 nations …
Read More »Set Your Alarms: Rugby World Cup 2019 Draw Tomorrow Morning
Set your alarm clocks. The draw for Rugby World Cup 2019 is to take place tomorrow morning. With the tournament being played in Japan the draw is to take place at 5pm local time. For the rugby public in the Americas it will require an early morning mid-week alarm. When? …
Read More »Rugby Given Wake-Up call as FIFA World Cup Expands to 48 Teams
Rugby has been given a wake-up call as the FIFA World Cup has expanded to 48 teams. Tuesday’s announcement that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be increased from 32 to 48 participants sees it having more than double that of rugby’s showpiece event. FIFA World Cup Expansion The FIFA …
Read More »Brazil rise one spot in World Rankings
As a result of Zimbabwe’s loss against Uganda on Saturday, Brazil has risen one spot in the World Rankings. Now occupying 35th position Brazil sees itself sitting one additional place above Paraguay who remain unchanged in 39th position. Uganda’s tremendous victory in the African Cup sees the Cranes rising from …
Read More »Germishuys named top u20 Trophy Player
US Eagles prospect Hanco Germishuys has been named Player of the Tournament for the World Rugby u20 Trophy. The 19-year-old was immense as captain of the Junior All-Americans, scoring an incredible eight tries in four games, well ahead of all other competitors. While his team ended up in 5th place, it …
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