The Rugby World Cup 2023 full draw has taken place this morning, live from the Brongniart Palace with England handed a tough pool.
Twelve countries have automatically qualified for the next edition of the World Cup based on their top-three placings in each of the four pools at last year’s tournament.
EDITORS PICKS:
- All Black legend Dan Carter ranks his five toughest opponents
- The current 36-man Lions squad, according to the bookies
- Piers Morgan picks his all-time greatest rugby XV
- Every Premiership club’s best player out of contract in 2021
The first band of countries is: South Africa (defending champions), beaten finalists England, third-place winners New Zealand and losers of that bronze medal match, Wales.
The second group of countries contains Ireland, Australia, France and Japan, while the third group sees Scotland, Argentina, Fiji and Italy lumped together.
One team from each band will randomly be drawn into each pool.
Rugby World Cup 2023 full draw
- Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, America 1, Africa 1
- Pool B: South Africa Ireland, Scotland, Asia/Pacific 1, Europe 2
- Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 1, Final qualifier
- Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Oceania 1, America 2
JOIN THE RUCK:
An England XV for the 2023 Rugby World Cup
15. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role for Newcastle Falcons in the Championship this season before returning to the Premiership ready to make a bid for international honours.
14. Joe Cokanasiga
- Current number of caps: 9
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 25
Eddie Jones summed up what Joe Cokanasiga brings to the party when asked about his first inclusion in the England set up back in 2017. ‘He’s big and he’s fast,’ said the England coach. He’s not wrong and we expect him to be hitting his peak in 2023..
13. Joe Marchant
- Current number of caps: 3
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones’s squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we’d expect to step up heading into the 2020 Six Nations and beyond.
12.Owen Farrell
- Current number of caps: 83
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 32
Will be one of the sides elder statesmen, captaining the squad at a second straight Rugby World Cup. Will be the goalkicker, allowing the talented Marcus Smith to run the show from 10.
11. Ollie Thorley
- Current number of caps: 1
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A World Rugby U20 Championship winner in 2016, Thorley has pace, power and an eye for the try line. Was unlucky not to be considered for the 2019 squad but if he continues to score lots of tries and constantly improves he could be a key player for England in four years time.