Now we know.
The draw for the pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup was held in host country France, this afternoon, and there were tricky draws for Ireland, Wales and Scotland. England, meanwhile, will be fancying their chances.
The headline news is that hosts France have been drawn in Pool A with New Zealand while reigning champions South Africa have Ireland and Scotland to tangle with in Pool B. England are in Pool D with Argentina and Japan.
French president Emmanuel Macron was present for the draw in Paris – one of the 10 host cities – and spoke about how sport was at the centre of French culture and a source of huge passion for so many of its citizens. President Macron also paid tribute to former Les Bleus winger Christophe Dominici, who recently passed away.
With politicians, rugby officials and French celebrities eventually stepping aside, it was time for the pool stage draw to take place. Many of the teams will still have to qualify for the tournament, in the coming months and years, but we got a good sense of the big match-ups in each pool.
The Welsh were, once again, landed with Australia and Fiji, in Pool C, while England’s pool will be a fascinating watch.
POOL A
- New Zealand
- France
- Italy
- Americas 1
- Africa 1
POOL B
- South Africa
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Asia Pacific 1
- Europe 2
POOL C
- Wales
- Australia
- Fiji
- Europe 1
- Final Qualifier Winner
POOL D
- England
- Japan
- Argentina
- Oceania 1
- Americas 2
So there you have it.
Set your alarms for September 8th 2023 when the actual tournament gets underway.
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Season 3 has returned with Ian Madigan & Eimear Considine as hosts, and has already featured interviews with Brian O’Driscoll, Nigel Owens, Sean Cronin, Shane Williams, Mike Brown, CJ Stander, Ugo Monye, Sene Naoupu, Schalk Burger, Dan Leo and James Lowe.
