The countdown to the men’s Rugby World Cup 2023 is heating up, with the tournament kicking off in two days’ time.
By September 8, national teams will have arrived in France, with fixtures taking place until the end of October as they battle for glory. New Zealand’s All Blacks will be the first team to go head to head in the tournament when they take on the host nation, France, this Friday.
Despite England’s defeat against Fiji in the final warm-up, the Red Roses are vying for a shot at becoming champions. To build some momentum, the team recently received an address from Former England full-back Jonathan Webb at the welcome ceremony in Le Touquet.
There are a number of firsts that will take place at the 2023 tournament. This year, Chile will make their debut after beating Canada and the US in the qualifiers. A new bunker review system will be introduced to assess decisions on foul play that lead to yellow and red cards. What’s more, security has been ramped up with referees getting access to police escorts to reduce abuse.
So before the Rugby World Cup commences later this week, here’s everything you need to know.
You may also want to check out where to watch the matches in London, and how to make an office sweepstake.
When does the Rugby World Cup 2023 start?
The tournament starts on Friday September 8. Fixtures will be held in a number of venues in France, including the national stadium, Stade de France, as well as stadiums in Marseille and Bordeaux. The final will take place on October 28.
How many teams are in the World Cup?
A total of 20 teams are heading to France. These teams will be divided into four pools, each consisting of five teams. The top two teams that emerge from each pool will then move on to the next round.
This year’s World Cup consists of multiple champion teams including the previous World Cup winners South Africa and New Zealand. In 2022, Chile made history when they qualified for their first Rugby World Cup by beating the United States.
The pools are as follows:
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia
Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal
Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile
When are England playing?
England’s first fixture in the Rugby World Cup 2023 will take place on September 9 when they take on Argentina in Marseille. Kick-off will be at 9pm local time (8pm BST).
Uncertainties remain as to who will be on the team, with doubts as to whether Elliot Daly, Tom Curry, George Martin and Kyle Sinckler will play. However, England are confident they will have a fully fit squad for the opener.
Who are England playing?
As well as playing Argentina, England will play the other teams in Pool D. The fixtures are:
September 17, 2023 – England v Japan
September 28, 2023 – England v Chile
October 7, 2023 – England v Samoa
The top two teams in Pool D will then move on to the quarter-finals where they will compete with the top teams from the other three pools, with the winners moving on to the semi-finals and final.
When is the Rugby World Cup final?
The Rugby World Cup 2023 final will take place on October 28, 2023.
