Postponed Rugby World Cup to be played in October and November 2022

World Rugby has confirmed that the postponed Rugby World Cup will now be played in October and November 2022 in New Zealand.

The showpiece event was originally scheduled to be played in September and October this year but was postponed following the restrictions due to the pandemic coronavirus.

The World Cup will be played between 8th October and 12th November 2022 which will see the competition extended from 35 to 43 days and will have a minimum of five days rest before the first games.

The revised format will see games played n the weekends of 8-9, 15-16 and 22-23 October with triple headers on each day. The overlapping of games have also been avoided. The quarter-finals will be played on 29-30 October with the semi-finals on 5th November and the final on 12th November.

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said the schedule has been planned keeping in mind the player welfare and is looking forward to have an exciting tournament.

"We are fully committed to accelerating the women's game at all levels and while the postponement was disappointing for everyone, it has provided the unique opportunity to review every aspect of the event to ensure it is the best it can be for the players, fans around the world and the wonderful and enthusiastic New Zealanders.

"Longer rest periods between matches for all teams is further commitment to delivering comprehensive player welfare standards at RWC 2021.

"I would like to thank all stakeholders for their support and open-minded approach to this process and we can now look forward to a truly spectacular Rugby World Cup 2021, playing in 2022."