The Summer Series concluded this weekend, and whilst results remained important, what really mattered most were team form, individual performances, and who was or was not getting injured or suspended – and with good cause: the biggest rugby competition in the world commences on Friday 8 September.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will kick-off with France versus New Zealand, at the iconic Stade de France. The hosts are among the most fancied teams at this year’s competition, but the All Blacks attend every World Cup with a view to going all the way; such a blockbuster fixture doesn’t come along too often, making it the perfect curtain-raiser for the event. Joining the 2 teams in Pool A will be Italy, Namibia, and Uruguay, whilst in Pool B, Ireland, Romania, Scotland, Tonga, and reigning champions South Africa will all do battle. Pool C is comprised of Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal, and Wales, and Pool D includes Argentina, Chile, England, Japan, and Samoa. Only 2 teams will advance from each pool, with quarterfinal fixtures getting underway on Saturday 14 October. The semifinals will be played on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October, and the final, which will also be held at the Stade de France, will take place on Saturday 28 October.
Although the Rugby World Cup is only days away, there is a small amount of official resale tickets remaining for select fixtures, for those who fancy booking a last-minute trip to see rugby union’s premier international tournament for themselves.
For more information on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, including ticket prices, click here.