Last eight qualify for World Cup

Only Ireland of the Home Nations will have to qualify for 2003 World Cup, under new rules announced by the International Rugby Board.  

All eight quarter-finalists from last year's World Cup will automatically qualify for the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.

It means England, Scotland, Wales, Australia, France, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina will not have to take part in a qualification tournament.

Only four teams qualified automatically for the 1999 tournament, 1995 champions South Africa, runners-up New Zealand, third-place winners France and hosts Wales.

It means mismatches such as England's 110-0 victory over Holland in qualifying last year should be avoided.

A statement from the IRB read: "The decision was taken in part as a result of the congested playing schedule and also because of the growing number of mismatches at the qualifying stage due to the difference in standards between professional and amateur teams."

The eight quarter-finalists in 2003 will also qualify for the 2007 tournament.