South American sides facing unfair hurdles
AFTER World Rugby confirmed the qualification process for the 2027 World Cup, frustration among South American nations was tempered only by the fact that they were expecting nothing better.
A period of unprecedented progress for the region has seemingly been overlooked.
Aside from already-qualified Argentina, South America has only one guaranteed spot that the likes of Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil must fight for.
On the surface, this resembles the process in Asia, where there is also only one guaranteed spot given Japan have already qualified.
However, this comparison only tells half the story.
Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil are ranked 17th, 22nd, and 29th respectively whereas Asia Rugby Championship holders, Hong Kong, are 23rd.
Clearly, all four teams will believe they have the quality to feature in the expanded 24-team competition but Hong Kong's path to Australia is considerably simpler.
They will qualify automatically if they retain their title next year when their toughest opponent will be South Korea, currently ranked 33rd.
Favourable routes
It is a similar story in North America, where both Canada and the USA have favourable routes to the tournament – Canada or the USA could lose all seven qualification matches and still feature in the repechage to win a place in Australia.
That is despite the fact neither qualified for France, and an extremely depleted Scotland side scored more than 70 points against Canada last month.
This disappointing news comes off the back of one of the most successful months in the history of the sport in South America.
Uruguay hosted three tier one sides on consecutive weekends, in which they threatened an upset against Scotland.
Chile broke their national record for attendance at a rugby match when 25,000 fans showed up to watch them face the same opponents.
Just days ago, the Chilean government pledged $1.5m to improve the national team's training facilities.
These achievements have come off the back of a professional club league, Super Rugby Americas, which grows stronger and more sustainable every year.
Uruguay will be favourites to claim the direct spot but Chile will provide stern opposition. Brazil meanwhile will be aiming to hold off the challenge of Paraguay, whose hopes of qualification are even slimmer after this week's announcement.
If the Sudamerica Rugby Championship goes as many expect, Chile and Brazil will still be able to qualify for Australia by way of a play-off and the final qualification tournament.
Obstacles in the path
World Rugby has placed obstacles in their path, but not insurmountable ones.
The majority of rugby fans will not follow the qualification process closely, and by the time the tournament begins, will be ignorant of the fact the 24 teams taking part may not be the 24 best teams in the world, which is surely the objective.
It appears the sport's leaders remain intent on pursuing potential markets and appear willing to ignore real ones in order to do so.
The idea that North America might one day fall in love with the sport remains at the core of World Rugby's strategy.
They would do well to remember that South America is falling in love with it right now.
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