World Rugby has announced details of the regional qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan.
Following the most compelling and competitive Rugby World Cup to date, the qualification process is designed to deliver the top 20 teams in the world to rugby’s showcase tournament, while promoting a pathway for all full member unions to qualify.
Two teams to qualify for RWC 2019 from a Pacific Tri-Nations championship played on a home and away basis over June 2016 and 2017.
Fiji and Samoa have good chances of qualifying form Oceania but will face stiff competition from Tonga.
Top three teams in each Rugby World Cup 2015 pool automatically qualify for Japan 2019 and the teams are New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Ireland, Scotland, France, Wales, Georgia, Japan, England and Italy.
All teams will be determined by November 2018.
Final details of the regional competition formats and dates will be announced in due course.
