could undermine excitement for fans and diminish the quality of the opening event, traditionally one of the most high profile games of the competition. Supporters of the schedule, however, point out that showcasing teams from different tiers helps promote rugby in countries where the sport is developing. World Rugby’s statement emphasised that all fixtures undergo extensive review by a dedicated tournament committee and are designed to meet a variety of strategic goals including growing the sport’s global audience. “While some matches may appear uneven on paper, our overarching goal is to provide every team with the opportunity to compete on the world stage and promote rugby worldwide,” the body said. The 2027 tournament, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, will feature 24 teams. Marking one of the largest Rugby World Cups in history. Organizers said they are committed to ensuring a compelling tournament for fans and players alike with carefully selected venues across both countries. The opening match is scheduled to kick off at a major Australian stadium with organizers promising enhanced fan engagement and international broadcast coverage to set the tone for the month long tournament. Source: The Independent