The 2023 Rugby World Cup may be expanded to allow more countries take part

World Rugby head honcho Brett Gosper fancies expanding from the current 20 teams

Ireland will face stiff competition from the likes of South Africa to host the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup but whoever gets the honour may have to accomodate a record number of teams. Speaking at an event today in London, World Rugby gaffer Brett Gosper has said that expanding the tournament beyond the current 20 could help grow the sport. "As the sport grows and we conquer new markets the discussion is about looking towards expanding [of the World Cup], rather than contracting," said Gosper. Gosper went on to talk about potential new markets, like the China, India, Mexico, Russia and Germany, and larger TV revenue and marketing opportunities but he also confirmed that teams would not have to play more games, but instead groups could be juggled in size from the current standard of four groups of five. It sounds to us like four groups of six, with an extra knockout round slipped in before the current quarter finals, may be on the cards. Expansion of the World Cup and the upcoming expansion of the European Championships in soccer have not been welcomed but rugby does need to grow beyond its traditional outposts. Offering extra slots at the World Cup would certainly help that cause.