The International Rugby Board (IRB) has announced it will persist with a 20 team World Cup in New Zealand in 2011 after a review of the tournament structure.

Prior to the 2007 tournament in France the IRB said it would review the amount of teams entering the World Cup to ensure it remains "competitive and commercially attractive".

The strong showing of the perceived lesser nations in France, however, appear to have averted any change to the existing system.

In a statement released today, Dr Syd Millar, IRB and RWC Limited chairman said: "The developing nations at Rugby World Cup 2007 have produced significantly enhanced performances since RWC 2003. This is a direct result of the global £30 million IRB strategic investment programme that was established in 2005.

"Based on this plus the likelihood that surplus revenue from Rugby World Cup 2007 will provide further funds for future investment in developing nations, the Council had no hesitation in approving the recommendation from the RWCL Board that 20 teams participate at the 2011 tournament.

"The successful New Zealand tender bid for RWC 2011 was based on 20 teams. At the Council meeting the motion maintaining the number of teams at RWC at 20 was proposed by New Zealand Council member Graham Mourie. The IRB is very confident that the tournament will be a huge success," added Dr Millar.

The qualification structure for New Zealand is being reviewed but the number of automatic qualifiers has already been increased from eight to 12.

This means that South Africa, England, Argentina, France, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, Fiji, Wales, Ireland, Tonga and Italy have already qualified as the top three teams in their respective World Cup 2007 pools.

Regional qualification for the remaining eight places begins next year.