With a new governance model paving the way for wider representation on World Rugby’s Council, the new unions will take their place at the May 2019 annual meeting after successfully achieving the required good governance criteria.Fiji and Samoa follow Georgia, Romania and USA onto the expanded council, while Burkina Faso and Lebanon were accepted as associate members on an historic day for the international federation.World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont hailed the decision, while recognising the enormous contribution that the Pacific Islands make to the global game.
‘This is an historic day for World Rugby and the Pacific Islands, and a reflection of the importance and success of the transformational governance reforms made by this organisation and the unions.’
Meanwhile, New Zealand were announced as hosts for the 2021 Women’s World Cup.
It will be the first time the tournament has been staged in the southern hemisphere, with New Zealand winning the rights to host the event ahead of Australia following a 25-17 vote in their favour by members of World Rugby’s governing council.
