Big changes are on the horizon for the next edition of the Women's Rugby World Cup, as the selection process begins to find the host for the 2021 tournament.
As World Rugby confirmed the details for the format of the next edition of the Women's World Cup, several changes have been made in the wake of last year's tournament in Ireland, won by the Black Ferns.
A greater emphasis has been placed on player welfare, with the tournament increasing from 23 to 35 days, allowing for longer rest periods between matches for players, a relief to many players following criticism of last year's cramped schedule.
Player squads have also increased in size, going from 28 to 30 players, again emphasising the need for player welfare.
In a statement, World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont spoke of the success of the tournament, and the rapid rise of women's rugby, while calling for interest as to the host of the 2021 edition.
"The launch of the host selection process for Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 is an exciting milestone and follows a fantastic 2017 for women's rugby," he said.
"The exceptional Women's Rugby World Cup in Ireland was the best attended of all time, inspiring on and off the field, and underscored why the event is such an attractive hosting proposition for unions and nations."
"We want to keep building the momentum, which is why we are introducing these changes to the format for the 2021 process. By ensuring an even more competitive and exciting tournament in the future, women's rugby can continue to play an instrumental role in driving forward the development of the game and significantly broadening rugby’s global fan base."
The deadline for expressions of interest in staging the next tournament is May 31, with New Zealand having never hosted the Women's World Cup.
The next Women's World Cup host will be announced on November 14.
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