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Fuimaono-Sapolu was one of the most vocal critics of this year's Rugby World Cup fixture list. Natacha Pisarenko/AP/Press Association Images
Changes

England agree to play midweek matches at 2015 World Cup

Following complaints from the players such as Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, it has been confirmed that the IRB will consider altering the structure of future fixture lists.

OFFICIALS REPRESENTING THE England rugby team have agreed to play midweek matches at the next Rugby World Cup in order to help make the fixture list fairer for smaller nations.

According to reports, the Tier One unions met up to discuss plans to do more to accommodate smaller nations in future tournaments, following widespread complaints about a perceived bias towards the bigger nations in relation to how the fixture list is scheduled.

A statement released today said:

“The tier one union delegates at the meeting committed to playing midweek matches during RWC 2015 in order to help achieve a better balance for tier two and tier three unions.”

While nothing has been confirmed, these recommendations will be put forward to the IRB for consideration.

For the current World Cup, the fixture list appeared to favour the bigger nations, while smaller teams such as Samoa had to play four times in 16 days.

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