Meta: With fans already looking forward to the Rugby World Cup 2023, continue reading to find out everything you need to know ahead of the coveted tournament.
With some viewers still recovering from South Africa’s triumph over England at the 2019 tournament, fans are already looking ahead to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. A number of key details have already been released and pools have already been drawn. Continue reading to familiarise yourself with everything we know about the 2023 Rugby World Cup so far.
A new home for the games
France is set to host the tenth edition of the Rugby World Cup for a third time from September 8th to October 28th. Nine venues across the country will house the games with the opening and closing matches taking place at the country’s national stadium, the Stade de France. Interested countries expressed interest in hosting in 2015. The Italian Rugby Federation, Argentine Rugby Union, and USA Rugby eventually withdrew their bids. France then defeated the South African Rugby Union and the Irish Rugby Football Union in 2017 to be named the official host of the 2023 games.
Where to watch
With pools already announced, fans are busy making plans to catch a glimpse of the action as it happens in real-time. With most viewers unable to jet off to France to get up close and personal with the players, there are several different ways to follow the tournament from the comfort of your own home. Most sports networks will be livestreaming each match so you can watch whenever or wherever you may be. A number of leading online sports betting platforms will also be offering a wide range of rugby world cup betting options for fans looking to try their luck during the games. If you prefer to keep up with the Rugby World Cup 2023 on the go, several sports network apps will give viewers the opportunity to watch on their smartphone or device so you can ensure you never miss a match.
A number of changes so far
With the tournament set to take place on the 200th anniversary of the invention of the sport of rugby by William Webb Ellis, organisers have implemented a number of key changes. For example, the original running time was scheduled to span six weeks in total. However, it was recently announced that an additional week would be added to accommodate a newly introduced rest day requirement to improve player welfare during the duration of the games. As a result, each player will benefit from a minimum of five rest days for each match. When it comes to a major sporting tournament, player welfare is of optimal importance. With organisers recognising this, pitch performance may be maximised.
Qualifying teams
20 teams are set to compete during the duration of the tournament. 12 teams gained automatic qualification as one of the final three teams of their pool during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. They include South Africa, Argentina, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, Wales, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. France is also included in this roster as this year’s host. Qualifying teams were then randomly drawn and categorised into pools. Pool A is comprised of New Zealand, France, Italy, Americas 1, and Africa 1. Pool B consists of South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia/Pacific 1, and Europe 2. Pool C includes Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1, and the final qualifier winner, and Pool D is home to England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1, and Americas 2.
The Rugby World Cup is the most anticipated event in the international rugby calendar. With qualifying teams and pool draws already announced, fans are excited at the prospect of another action-packed tournament.
