World Rugby to review future World Cup seeding

World Rugby have hinted that the draw for the World Cup could be pushed back until closer to the start of the next tournament. 

The logic behind the discussions stems from the a desire for less blockbuster clashes between the big sides in the tournament during the group stages.

England, Australia and Wales were grouped together for the 2015 World Cup when the draw was made back in December 2012 based on the world rankings at that time - with each of the top four ranked sides taking the top spot in each of the groups - except now Australia are ranked third and England fourth.

World Rugby boss Brett Gosper confirmed that the timing of the draw would be looked at ahead of Japan 2019.

“We’re going to review what the ideal timing is,” Gosper told The Guardian.

“We would endeavour to make it a bit later but nothing’s been decided at this point.