The Council, which is responsible for deciding host countries for Rugby World Cups and also votes in its chairmanship election, the next of which is due to take place in May 2016, will include unions who have qualified for the previous two Rugby World Cups and who have had a significant impact on the development of the game.

All six regional associations will receive two votes each, instead of the one they currently have, while one vote and one representative will be given to those who have reached rugby’s quadrennial flagship tournament but who can also demonstrate they have an annual audited average investment in rugby of £20 million ($30.2 million/€28.3 million) over the last four years.

Other requirements include those who have dedicated men’s and women’s sevens programmes, have bid for a Rugby World Cup in the last four years and who have a sustainable women’s programme in place.

Currently, no nationals of Tonga, Georgia, Uruguay, Namibia, Fiji or Brazil, next year’s Olympic host, for example, are included on the 27-man Council, yet this is set to change providing the nations meet the required criteria laid down by World Rugby.

Despite the sport’s governing body heralding the changes, it is not yet known exactly how many representatives will be on the Council when the expansion comes into effect, though the alterations have allowed a pathway for smaller nations to receive increased representation on the body.

"We have enjoyed a very special and record-breaking Rugby World Cup in England and rugby is experiencing record participation growth, media interest and commercial appeal," World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said.

"We are reaching, engaging and inspiring more audiences than ever before.

"We are redistributing record sums in the development and sustainability of the game.

"Together we are successful and growing as a sport.

"That is the best reason for change.

"This exciting new model, developed following extensive review and consultation, will ensure that World Rugby, and by extension, the sport, has the governance structures and tools to support future growth as rugby continues to inspire and thrive."

World Rugby has also announced its Executive Committee will now feature independent representatives, who will be recommended by the newly-formed Nominations Committee.

A Women’s Advisory Committee has also been established to help implement a strategy to further develop the women’s game across the world.

The governance reform comes after the 2015 Rugby World Cup concluded in England on October 31 with New Zealand becoming the first team to retain the title with a 34-17 victory over Australia.



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