World Rugby say the draw for the next World Cup will be made closer to the tournament in Australia.
The draw for the current tournament was made almost three-years out from the competition, resulting in the four best teams in the world being on one side of the draw.
World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont confirmed the draw for the expanded 2027 World Cup will be made in January of 2026.
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However, that date still precedes the new Nations Championship announced by World Rugby today.
Played in the July and November international windows, it will initially see Ireland in Division 1 of a 24-team, two division competition.
The Women’s Six Nations is also set for a new start date of mid-April.
