![Minnows in line for a World Cup boost](https://cdn.magzter.com/1351005036/1713071683/articles/no9uHaGn71713175654507/MINNOWS-IN-LINE-FOR-A-WORLD-CUP-BOOST.jpg)
RWC 2027 will feature 24 teams, the first expansion since 1999 when the tournament went to 20 teams from the original 16. Insiders say that Europe will get four automatic places rather than three, while Asia looks set for one guaranteed place in addition to Japan.
At present, the combined results over a twoyear period of the Rugby Europe Championship determine the three automatic qualifiers from Europe, with the fourth entering the global repechage.
This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
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This story is from the April 14, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Ex-Bath wing to play for Knights](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/1686/1765426/nuzZlQexn1721129234390/EXBATH-WING-TO-PLAY-FOR-KNIGHTS.jpg)
Ex-Bath wing to play for Knights
FORMER England winger Semesa Rokoduguni will play for Doncaster Knights in the Championship next season.
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Hunslet become dual-code outfit
A DUAL-CODE rugby club is set to return to the Rugby League heartland of Leeds, with Jason Robinson's former club Hunslet launching a 15-man, semi-pro franchise team.
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Time for players to behave properly
THERE are no 'good' responses to Melvyn Jaminet's violently racist outburst on social media, or the serious sexual assault allegations levelled against Oscar Jegou and Hugo Auradou during France's July tour of Argentina and Uruguay.
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Why is captain replaced so early?
SO THE All Blacks keep their home record of wins at Dunedin by just one point against an England side who will be wondering what might have been.
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I played my last game in 38-degree heat...
OMAN, where I have been living with my family for the last two years, is a beautiful country just like Wales with the coastline and the mountains - but with a lot fewer rugby clubs and a better climate. In fact, there is only one rugby club out here, in Muscat, where my son now plays.
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Injury and illness can't stop the fun
IT'S time to dip back into the 1974 Lions tour again and 50 years ago today exactly - July 14 a much agitated manager of the Marine Hotel in what used to be called Port Elizabeth was looking for Lions manager Alun Thomas to demand both an explanation and reparation.
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YOUN GUNS HARVEYCUCKSON BATH & ENGLAND U20 SECOND ROW
Harvey Cuckson thought long and hard about whether to represent England or Wales in his age-grade rugby but is certain he made the right call in pulling on the Red Rose.
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European elite keen to exclude outsiders
WHICHEVER way you care to define the i-word, it was an interesting few hours for Canadian sport.
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I still have a lot more to give - McNally
JOSH McNally views his move to Cardiff as the perfect outcome after for a time that his rugby career may be over.
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Wales show defiance but the wait goes on
ALL week long the Red Dragon legions had planned their regimental mobilisation with just enough military precision to let them catch the action in Auckland, a bit of R & R before the serious business.