"We’ll look at that next time to see if it’s possible to make the draw closer to the tournament."
That's what World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper said in August of last year about the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The draw for the 2015 World Cup took place nearly three years before the tournament.
It seems Gosper has come good on his word.
According to The Scotsman, seedings for the 2019 tournament are likely to be based on international results in 2017. This could be good news for Ireland. There were rumours of the draw taking place this year. Given Ireland's poor Six Nations, the summer tour of South Africa and November internationals against the All Blacks - twice - and Australia, there were fears Joe Schmidt's side could slip down the rankings.
For the 2015 World Cup draw, Wales found themselves ranked ninth. It resulted in a pool of death scenario featuring the Welsh, English and Australians. Of course, Wales still qualified for the quarter-finals - at the expense of hosts England.
Ireland are currently ranked seventh in the World, that's down from a high of second last year. The 2017 Six Nations will see what is traditionally viewed as an easier fixture list, that is - playing England and France in Dublin.
With the Lions Tour of New Zealand taking in summer 2017, the seedings are most likely to be based on rankings after the November 2017 internationals.
A confirmed date for the draw is expected to be announced in May.
Picture credit: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
