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World Rugby has announced the biggest overhaul of international rugby since the game went professional. The changes include expanding the Rugby World Cup to 24 teams in 2027 and introducing a bi-annual Nations Championship starting in 2026. The Nations Championship will feature two divisions and will be played in the summer and autumn test windows, culminating in a grand final to determine the overall winner. There is currently no system for promotion and relegation between the divisions. World Rugby is also planning to launch an expanded Pacific Nations Cup in 2024, separate from the Nations Championship. The Rugby World Cup 2027 draw will be held in January 2026, and the tournament will consist of six pools of four teams.