Top-tier nations will participate in midweek games in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it has been announced.
The IRB Tier One chairmen and chief executives met yesterday to discuss the format and schedule of the tournament.
Some lower-level teams faced playing four games in 16 days, while top-tier teams enjoyed nearly a week between each game.
"The Tier One Union delegates at the meeting committed to playing mid-week matches during RWC 2015 in order to help achieve a better balance for Tier Two and Tier Three Unions," World Cup organisers said in a statement.
The heavy schedule faced by lower-level teams has been a controversial issue this year, with Samoa centre Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu likening his team's schedule to slavery.
