The impending Rugby World Cup 2023 signifies the next installment of this esteemed men’s rugby union championship, uniting 20 national teams worldwide. France has been awarded the privilege of hosting this event, slated to occur between September 8th and October 28th, 2023. Following a qualification process initiated in 2019, the roster of the Rugby World Cup 2023 teams has been duly established for this highly anticipated tournament.
The World Rugby rankings at the end of 2020 determined the 12 teams that automatically qualified while the remaining eight teams earned their spots through competitions. In this article, we’ll discuss Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams.
Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams
Meet the 20 teams below competing in the Rugby World Cup 2023:
| Team | World Ranking | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Argentina | 2 | The team that has won the championship twice is always a contender. This time they are aiming to surpass their performance in the 2019 final. Their group of forwards is powerful. They have a backline that poses a threat, to their opponents. |
| Australia | 3 | The Wallabies are known for their spirit and they boast a team, with a wealth of seasoned players. Their aim is to advance to the semifinals a feat they haven’t achieved since 2015. |
| England | 1 | The defending champions are the favorites to win the tournament again. They have a balanced team with a strong set piece and a dangerous attack. |
| Fiji | 9 | The Flying Fijians are always a crowd favorite, and they are capable of beating any team on their day. They have a powerful forward pack and a skillful backline. |
| France | 4 | Les Bleus are always a dangerous team, and they will be looking to improve on their quarterfinal exit in 2019. They have a talented squad with a mix of youth and experience. |
| Georgia | 12 | The Lelos are the surprise package of the tournament, and they will be looking to make their mark. They have a strong pack of forwards and a physical defense. |
| Ireland | 6 | The Irish team is consistently challenging to defeat. They possess an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals. They boast a rounded squad that excels, in set-piece plays and poses a threat, in their offensive maneuvers. |
| Italy | 14 | The Azzurri are always a competitive team, but they have struggled to make an impact in recent tournaments. They will be looking to improve on their pool stage exit in 2019. |
| Japan | 8 | The Brave Blossoms are the dark horses of the tournament, and they could spring a surprise. They have a physical pack of forwards and a dangerous attack. |
| New Zealand | 5 | The All Blacks have established themselves as the team, in the history of the Rugby World Cup and they have their sights set on securing their third consecutive title. Their team is truly exceptional boasting a set piece and a potent offensive strategy. |
| Scotland | 7 | The Scots are always a competitive team, and they have a good chance of reaching the quarterfinals. They have a strong pack of forwards and a dangerous attack. |
| South Africa | 10 | The Springboks have been champions, for two times. They have faced difficulties in recent years. They are determined to regain their form and compete for the title again. |
| Tonga | 11 | The Ikale Tahi are always a physical team, but they have struggled to compete at the highest level. They will be looking to make their mark in the tournament. |
| Wales | 13 | Wales are always a dangerous team, and they have a good chance of reaching the quarterfinals. They have a strong pack of forwards and a dangerous attack. |
| Uruguay | 15 | The Teros might not be the ranked team, in the tournament. They consistently give tough competition. They have a desire to leave their mark and surprise a team. |
| Chile | 16 | Chile is participating in the Rugby World Cup for the time. They are eager to leave a mark. Their forward pack is strong and physical while their attacking prowess is considered dangerous. |
| Portugal | 17 | Portugal are also making their first appearance at the Rugby World Cup, and they will be looking to make their mark. They have a good team with a mix of youth and experience. |
| Romania | 18 | Romania is the team, with experience in the Final Qualification Tournament. They have their sights set on securing a spot, in the Rugby World Cup for the ninth time. They boast a group of forwards. Possess a potent offensive strategy. |
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Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams | Pools
The 20 teams have been drawn into four pools of five teams each. The pools are as follows:
- Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Namibia, Uruguay
- Pool B: Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
- Pool C: Wales, Australia, Georgia, Fiji, Portugal
- Pool D: England, Argentina, Japan, Chile, Samoa
The Favorites
The team expected to emerge victorious in the 2023 Rugby World Cup is South Africa, who’re the reigning champions. The Springboks have a track record, in Rugby World Cup history having secured victory three times. Additionally they are presently holding the title of world champions following their win, at the 2019 Rugby World Cup held in Japan.
Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams, like New Zealand, England and Ireland are seen as title contenders. New Zealand has a track record in the Rugby World Cup having won the tournament on three occasions. Currently, they hold the spot in the rankings. As hosts of the 2023 Rugby World Cup England will be aiming to secure victory, for the time since 2003. In years Ireland has made progress and is now recognized as one of the leading teams worldwide.
The Underdogs
There are Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams that might catch us off guard in this tournament. These teams include Argentina, Wales, and Australia. Argentina holds the title of Rugby Championship. Boasts a team that can defeat any opponent on a given day. Wales on the hand are reigning Six Nations champions. Possess a talented squad that always poses a threat during the knockout stages. Australia, with two Rugby World Cup victories under their belt, stands as the team in tournament history. Additionally, they currently hold the spot, in rankings.
Suggested Read: Who are the highest paid Rugby World Cup Players in 2023?
FAQs
How many teams are in the Rugby World Cup 2023?
There are 20 teams playing in the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Where will the 2023 Rugby World Cup be?
The Rugby 2023 World Cup would be in across different venues in France.
Which country holds the Rugby World Cup?
South Africa is the recent champion of the Rugby World Cup 2019 and hold the trophy.
Wrapping it Up!
In 2023, an exciting event on the horizon is none other than the Rugby World Cup, a fiercely competitive tournament where numerous teams vie for the prestigious title. This thrilling competition is set to take place in France, a nation fervently passionate about rugby, promising an electrifying atmosphere for fans. Curious about which teams will partake in the 2023 Rugby World Cup? I trust this article has offered you the insights you were seeking. Should you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out; I’m here to assist.
