The number of teams participating in the women's Rugby World Cup will be increased from 12 to 16 from the 2025 edition.
The decision was taken by the Rugby World Cup Board earlier this year and World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said it was a "milestone moment" for the women's game.
"In 2017 we set out an ambitious eight-year plan to accelerate the development of women in rugby ... and an ambition to improve and expand the number of teams competing in pinnacle events," Beaumont said in a statement.
"We have seen in recent years that more teams are making a statement at international level and unions are continuing to develop their women's high-performance programmes.
"Expansion of the Rugby World Cup opens additional... playing pathway opportunities for unions at the highest level of the game and creates added incentive for unions worldwide to continue to invest and grow in their women's programmes."
"It's an awesome event and it's so meaningful for us to host it"
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 19, 2020
New Zealand Prime Minister @jacindaardern speaks to @KT_Ten10 at the #RWC2021 draw event in Auckland #RWC2021 pic.twitter.com/RVCq7VqfPc
The 2021 World Cup, the ninth edition since the inaugural tournament in 1991, will be held in New Zealand from September 18-October 16.
New Zealand are the defending champions after winning their fifth title.
The host selection process for the 2025 edition begins in February 2021 and is set to conclude in May 2022 with a council vote.
Who’s ready for more of this in 2021 pic.twitter.com/s7RxaKb3YM
— Wallaroos (@WallaroosRugby) November 20, 2020
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