The Rugby World Cup is to expand from 20 to 24 teams, with an extra knock-out round added, beginning in 2027 when Australia host.
Despite more competing sides the event will be shortened from seven weeks to six running from October 1 to November 13.
The teams will be split into six first round groups each containing four sides with a round of 16 added. The finalists will play the same number of matches as this year - seven, but teams knocked out in the group stage will play three instead of four.
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