Qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023
Qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
World Rugby has announced details of the qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
Following the most competitive and widely-acclaimed Rugby World Cup to date in Japan, the qualification process is designed to deliver the top teams in the world to rugby’s showcase tournament, while promoting a genuine opportunity for all unions.
With 12 teams having secured their place at France 2023 courtesy of finishing in the top three of their respective pools, the remaining eight places will be determined by a process of regional and cross-regional qualifiers.
The process will conclude with a four-team round-robin final qualification tournament in November 2022 to determine the final qualifier
Dates for events in 2021 will be announced in due course and will be subject to an anticipated easing of the Covid-19 situation.
The announcement follows consultation with unions and regions in January 2020 and a full review of performance at Rugby World Cup 2019, where rankings upsets and the impressive performances in particular of Japan, Fiji, Uruguay, Tonga, and Georgia cut the performance gap, with the average winning margin between established and emerging unions decreasing in comparison with 2015 benchmarks.
The Americas will deliver two direct places, while Oceania will deliver a direct qualifier with a further direct place available following a play-off with Asia.
The Rugby Europe Championship (two direct places), Rugby Africa Cup (one direct place), and final qualification tournament (one direct place) will provide the other qualifiers. Teams already qualified are South Africa, England, New Zealand, Wales, Japan, France (host), Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, and Fiji.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said: “After a full review of performances at Rugby World Cup 2019 and close consultation with our regional associations and member unions, we are delighted to outline the details of the Rugby World Cup 2023 qualification process, which will provide a genuine opportunity for full member unions to qualify for rugby’s showcase event.
“The process has been designed to maximise existing events to reduce costs for participants and organisers alike, which is important as we all recover from the global pandemic. “On behalf of World Rugby, I’d like to wish all teams involved the best of luck on their journey to France in 2023.”
