Why are rugby union national teams named days before a match?

Answer 1

There is no legal, sports requirement to issue the names of the playing squad to the public. However, it is expected by the lead bodies that the team is announced to ensure that there are no specific issues of players being allowed to play, that they can be checked before and post match for drugs and for the purpose of those who are not eligible through not being a nation of the playing country, serving a match ban or have restricted medical grounds i.e. were knocked out previously and are serving a 3 match rest period. In addition the team is announced as the programmes sold at the venue need to be printed and sent to the venue. The team announcement also serves to rally support