Top unions to play midweek games in 2015

England have agreed to play midweek matches when they host the 2015 Rugby World Cup after the leading nations backed proposals for a more equitable fixture list.

Delegates from the so-called tier one unions discussed plans for the next World Cup at yesterday’s chairman and chief executive meeting in Auckland.

The smaller unions have built a strong case for World Cup organisers to implement a level playing field with regards to fixtures. Samoa, for example, had to play four times in 16 days in a pool featuring Wales and South Africa, who both had more generous fixture lists.

A World Cup statement said: “The tier one union delegates committed to playing midweek matches during RWC 2015 in order to help achieve a better balance for tier two and tier three unions.”

The meeting also endorsed the commitment to review the Rugby World Cup commercial model and revenue distribution.