Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool Draw

All the details of who will play who in the group stages in France

From Rugby World

Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool Draw

The pool draw has been made for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

Hosts France were drawn in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Italy, Americas 1 and Africa 1.

France and the All Blacks have a long history of playing each other in World Cups. Les Bleusfamously knocked New Zealand out of both the 1999 and 2007 tournaments while the All Blacks have beaten France in two finals to lift the title in 1987 and 2011.

Reigning world champions South Africa are in Pool B with Ireland, Scotland, Asia/Pacific 1 and Europe 2. Scotland and Ireland were also in the same pool at RWC 2019, when Japan topped the group and the Scots failed to reach the quarter-finals.

South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber said: “To be in the same pool as Ireland and Scotland will be a massive challenge, but to win the tournament, you have to be able to beat all the teams and we will be properly tested in the pool phases.”

There is a familiar feel to Pool C, which consists of Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1 and Final Qualifier Winner. Those first three teams all met each other in the group stages at both the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.

England, the runners-up in 2019, are in Pool D with Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1 and Americas 2.

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