Minnows Rewarded

The IRB announced today that the 2011 Rugby World Cup to be held in New Zealand will still have 20 teams competing for the Webb Ellis Cup.

After the success of the Minnow nations at this years World Cup the IRB have gone back on an earlier agreement to cut numbers to 16.

Hosts New Zealand will be aggrieved by this decision as it will complicate the logistical organisation of the tournament.

The All Blacks also feel the lack of competitive matches they had in this year's pool games directly resulted in their early exit from the tournament.

For rugby as a global sport this is a huge decision from the IRB, and after their weakness in giving the 2011 tournament to New Zealand instead of Japan, it is a fresh vote of confidence for the emerging nations.

Exciting Emergents

"The developing nations at Rugby World Cup 2007 have produced significantly enhanced performances since RWC 2003." said IRB chairman Dr Syd Millar.

Every team in the recent World Cup provided excellent entertainment for the French crowds.

All of the South Sea Island teams competed ferociously, while Georgia, Romania, Portugal and Namibia also turned in some massive performances.

Hopefully the IRB will also recognise the need for improved investment in these developing rugby nations and a more equal playing field can be created for the greatest sport in the World.