In a landmark announcement, the European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has confirmed that the long-awaited Rugby Club World Cup will finally take place in 2028, ending years of speculation.
The tournament will bring together the best club teams from both hemispheres in a historic competition. Modeled after the growing trend of club world cups in sports—such as FIFA’s upcoming expanded Club World Cup—rugby’s version will see elite sides battle for global supremacy every four years.
Tournament Format
The inaugural Rugby Club World Cup will feature 16 teams:
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8 teams from Europe’s Champions Cup
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7 teams from Super Rugby Pacific (representing Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands)
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1 team from Japan’s top division
This setup ensures representation from the strongest club competitions worldwide, setting the stage for thrilling cross-hemisphere clashes.
A New Era for Club Rugby
EPCR’s decision marks a significant step in expanding rugby’s global footprint. With international competitions like the Rugby World Cup dominating the calendar, the Club World Cup will provide another high-stakes platform for elite players and fans.
“This is a game-changer for club rugby,” said an EPCR spokesperson. “Fans have long wanted to see how the best European clubs stack up against Super Rugby’s finest, and now we’ll get that answer on the biggest stage.”
What’s Next?
Details on qualification criteria, host nations, and scheduling are expected in the coming months. With the tournament still years away, anticipation will only grow as teams begin their quest for a place in rugby history.
For now, the message is clear: in 2028, the world’s best rugby clubs will collide—and a new champion will be crowned.
