Catch the Rugby World Cup 2023 Mania: Your BBC Guide to Fixtures, Rankings, and the Rulebook

In 2019, South Africa clinched the championship trophy, triumphing over England in a stunning 32-12 final.
2023 Rugby World Cup
Location: France
Dates: September 8 to October 28
Where to Catch the Action: Comprehensive match commentaries will air on BBC Radio 5 Live and Radio 5 Live Sports Extra. Also, keep an eye on the Sport Newes Center website and app for real-time updates.

Get ready, rugby enthusiasts! The 10th Rugby World Cup will roar to life on Friday, September 8, as France, the host nation, clashes with New Zealand in the city of love, Paris.

A total of 20 teams are going all in for the ultimate prize, the Webb Ellis Cup. The championship game is slated for October 28 at the iconic Stade de France.

Your radio and internet will be buzzing with live commentary for all 48 face-offs, courtesy of BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, and the Sport Newes Center platform. Also, for the keyboard warriors among you, live text commentary, scores, and match summaries will be available on the Sport Newes Center website.

But wait, there’s more! The Rugby Union Weekly podcast will drop new episodes daily from Monday, providing you with insights, debates, and all the buzz directly from France. A fresh podcast series, Rugby Union Top 10, has also rolled out on BBC Sounds, focusing on the tournament’s most riveting moments throughout history.

BBC’s regional radio stations, such as BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Wales, will serve custom content dedicated to their local teams.

So, what’s on the agenda for the British and Irish squads?
England kicks off their journey against Argentina on September 9, the same day Ireland takes on Romania. Meanwhile, Scotland has a date with the defending champions, South Africa, the next day. Wales will also be in action against Fiji.

Who’s Defending the Throne?
In case you missed it, South Africa dominated the 2019 World Cup in Japan, taking down England 32-12 in the grand finale.

Who to Bet On?
Leading the world rankings is Ireland, followed by a narrow margin by South Africa, France, and New Zealand. Scotland snags fifth place, with Fiji soaring to seventh after a groundbreaking victory over England last month. England is surprisingly stuck at eighth, while Wales rounds out the top 10.

Pool Play for the Home Teams

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

What Are the Rules?
Teams earn four points for a win and a pair for a draw. Bonus points come into play for scoring four tries or losing by seven points or fewer. To move into the quarter-finals, you’ve got to be the top dog or the second-best in your pool. If there’s a point tie, the team that won the head-to-head matchup proceeds.

Overtime Rules
In knockout games, if the scoreboard is even when the clock hits zero, the match goes into extra time, followed by sudden death, and, as a last resort, a kicking competition.

World Cup Fixture Rundown
All times are in BST, and the BBC isn’t to be blamed for any changes.
Note: The coverage is UK-exclusive.

(Fixture List Removed for Brevity)

Meet the Teams
Every head coach has unveiled their 33-strong squad as of August 28. However, last-minute changes due to injuries are permitted.

(Rosters for England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales not listed)

So, buckle up, because it’s going to be a rollercoaster ride of scrums, tries, and everything that makes rugby the spectacle it is. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer just catching the rugby bug, this World Cup promises to be an unforgettable scrum-down showdown. Let the games begin!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rugby World Cup 2023 Guide

Who are the hosts for the Rugby World Cup 2023?

The host nation for the Rugby World Cup 2023 is France. The games will be held in various stadiums across the country from September 8 to October 28.

How can I follow the Rugby World Cup 2023 on the BBC?

You can follow the live commentary of all 48 matches across BBC Radio 5 Live, Sports Extra, BBC Sounds, the Sport Newes Center website, and the Sport Newes Center app. Live text commentary, live scores, and reports of all the games will also be available on the Sport Newes Center website.

Who won the previous Rugby World Cup?

South Africa emerged as the champions in the last Rugby World Cup held in 2019. They defeated England with a score of 32-12 in the final in Yokohama, Japan.

Who are the favorites to win this year?

Ireland holds the world’s number one ranking followed closely by South Africa, France, and New Zealand. Scotland ranks fifth, ahead of Argentina, while Fiji ranks seventh.

What are the tournament rules for scoring?

Teams receive four points for a win and two points for a draw. Bonus points are awarded for scoring four tries or losing by seven points or fewer. The top two teams from each pool advance to the quarter-finals.

What happens in case of a tie during the knockout stages?

If teams are tied at the end of regular time during the knockout stages, the winner is determined through extra time, then sudden death. If scores are still tied, a kicking competition is used to decide the winner.

How are the teams grouped?

The teams are divided into four pools. Pool A includes New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia. Pool B features South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, and Romania. Pool C comprises Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, and Portugal. Pool D consists of England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, and Chile.

What are the key dates for British and Irish teams?

England starts its campaign against Argentina on September 9, the same day Ireland faces Romania. Scotland plays reigning champions South Africa on the following day, while Wales also plays against Fiji.

How many players are in each squad?

Each head coach has named a 33-man squad for the tournament, which was submitted to World Rugby on August 28. Roster changes due to injuries can be made throughout the tournament.

Is the BBC’s coverage available worldwide?

No, the BBC’s coverage is only available for UK users. However, you can follow live commentary and updates on the Sport Newes Center website and app.

More about Rugby World Cup 2023 Guide