Rugby’s global bosses are set to delay the draw for future World Cup events to avoid the headache of the top teams on the planet all being pooled together.

This, as only two of Ireland, hosts France, New Zealand, Scotland and the defending champions South Africa can reach the semi-finals of this year’s tournament due to a draw made in 2020 based on the nations’ seedings after Japan 2019.

The likes of former World Cup-winning England flyhalf Paul Grayson has slammed decision-makers for their out-of-date selection process and said it must not be allowed to happen again.

In response, World Rugby confirmed its intention for the draw to be held closer to the time of the next tournament, starting with Australia 2027.

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The sporting body said a new ‘hosting model’ that sees it create collaborations with the host union has allowed for the change to its approach.

However, World Rugby also defended the draw for France 2023, saying it was made for a “number of important reasons” key to the overall success of the tournament, both on and off the field.

“The top of the men’s Test game has never been more competitive,” a spokesperson added. “There has never been so much movement over a two-year period.

“Bearing that in mind, and noting the format of four pools of five teams, there is arguably no perfect time for a draw.”