Rugby's Club World Cup to Launch in 2028 Amid Global Calendar Adjustments

The new tournament will feature top teams from both hemispheres, sparking discussions on player welfare and environmental concerns.

Negotiations between stakeholders have cleared a path for the 16-team Club World Cup to start in 2028, featuring the best rugby sides from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
The tournament will require adjustments to the global rugby calendar, including carving out a four-week June window every four years.
Qualification for the Club World Cup will be meritocratic, potentially leaving some major rugby-playing nations unrepresented.
Concerns have been raised about the impact on players' health and the traditional structure of the club game, including the Champions Cup.
The Club World Cup aims to enhance global television and sponsor exposure, but raises questions about the environmental impact of increased international travel.