South Africa are the defending Rugby World Cup champions
The World Cup will conclude with the final on 21 October 2023
The 2023 Rugby World Cup is hosted by France and starts on 8 September 2023 (Getty Images)
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The 2023 Rugby World Cup gets underway on 8 September 2023 and will conclude with the final on 21 October 2023. The tournament is being hosted by France in nine different cities. After hosting the 2007 World Cup, this is the second time France will host the sports’ showpiece event.
This will be the 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup after making its debut in 1987 and has been played every four years since.
New Zealand have been installed as early favourites at 3.00 to win the cup in 2023 with host nation France coming in at 4.33. The 2019 losing finalists are priced at 5.00 while the defending champions, South Africa are available at 6.00.
Two-time champions, Australia are available at 12.00 while perennial underachievers, Ireland comes in at 17.00. Wales, Argentina and Scotland are are priced at 19.00, 29.00 and 41.00 respectively with bookmaker Betway.
2023 Rugby World Cup Betting Odds
Defending champions, South Africa are fourth favourites to defend their title. New Zealand are favourites at 3.00 to win the cup. France are the dark horses.
Team
Odds
New Zealand
3.00
France
4.33
England
5.00
South Africa
6.00
Australia
12.00
Ireland
17.00
Wales
19.00
Argentina
29.00
Scotland
41.00
Japan
151.00
Fiji
251.00
Italy
751.00
Samoa
1001.00
Tonga
1001.00
USA
1001.00
Georgia
1001.00
Romania
1501.00
Uruguay
2001.00
Namibia
2501.00
Russia
2501.00
Spain
2501.00
Canada
2501.00
Odds from Betway and correct as of 16 February 2021
2023 Rugby World Cup Tips
New Zealand are the early front-runners to claim the big prize in 2023, the odds can be considered skewed at the current time (February 2021). The All Blacks were not at their best leading up to the 2019 event and then underperformed during the tournament as England knocked them out at the quarter final stage.
South Africa have yet to play since their 32-12 victory over England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. COVID-19 has ensured that the Springboks can’t compete but as rugby slowly returns to normality, their odds could change significantly during the 2021.
If you are looking for early value on the 2023 Rugby World Cup, France is the way to go. They have yet to win a World Cup but been the losing finalists on three occasions (1987, 1999 & 2011).
France are not only hosting the 2023 Rugby World Cup, they also have a squad full of quality and youth. At 4.33 they represent the best value at the moment.
England are another team to watch out for. They seem to have stagnated a bit under Eddie Jones but the English often produce their best rugby at the World Cup.
England are the only Northern Hemisphere side to have ever won the World Cup (2003) while they have also been in the 1991, 2007 and 2019 finals.
Backing Ireland, Australia, Wales, Argentina or Scotland right now is risky considering form, but with two years to change that form, the risk may just pay off.
2023 Rugby World Cup Pools
The draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup took place in 2020. There will once again be 20 participating teams placed in four pools of five each. Each plays the other in their pool once with the top two progressing to the knockout stages.
Pool A
Pool B
New Zealand
South Africa
France
Ireland
Italy
Scotland
Americas 1 (Qualifier)
Asia/Pacific 1 (Qualifier)
Africa 1 (Qualifier)
Europe 2 (Qualifier)
Pool C
Pool D
Wales
England
Australia
Japan
Fiji
Argentina
Europe 1 (Qualifier)
Oceania 1 (Qualifier)
Qualifier Winner
Americas 2 (Qualifier)
Rugby World Cup Winners, Finalists & Score
New Zealand and South Africa have won the most Rugby World Cup titles with three each. Australia have won two while England have one title.
Year
Host(s)
Winner
Runner-up
Final Score
1987
New Zealand & Australia
New Zealand
France
29-9
1991
England, France, Ireland, Scotland & Wales
Australia
England
12-6
1995
South Africa
South Africa
New Zealand
15-12
1999
Wales
Australia
France
35-12
2003
Australia
England
Australia
20-17
2007
France
South Africa
England
15-6
2011
New Zealand
New Zealand
France
8-7
2015
England
New Zealand
Australia
34-17
2019
Japan
South Africa
England
32-12
2023 Rugby World Cup Stadiums
France will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup in nine stadiums across nine cities.
Stadium
City
Stade de France
Paris
Stade Velodrome
Marseille
Stade Pierre-Mauroy
Lille
Matmut Geoffroy-Guichard
Saint-Ettiene
Allianz Riviera
Nice
Stade de la Beaujoire
Nantes
Stadium Municipal
Toulouse
2023 Rugby World Cup FAQ
When does the 2023 Rugby World Cup start?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will start on 8 September 2023.
When is the 2023 Rugby World Cup final?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup final will take place on 21 October 2023.
Who has won the most Rugby World Cup titles?
New Zealand and South Africa have each won the Rugby World Cup on three occasions.
Who will host the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be hosted by France.