When is the 2023 Rugby World Cup? Dates, times, schedule, and winner predictions

Let DTB guide you to when the Rugby World Cup 2023 will go ahead, including an initial schedule for the tournament.

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is on the horizon, with every moment between now and then being seen through the lens of the tournament.

The Six Nations will serve as a health check ahead of the World Cup as England and Wales rebuild with new coaches, hoping to strike the right chords in the build-up to the autumn festival of rugby.

The global scene is such a far cry from 2019, the 2023 World Cup pools place three teams in the world’s top five in one group: Pool B features South Africa (4th), Ireland, (1st) and Scotland (5th).

If this international turbulence continues to the autumn, the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France will be the most competitive yet…here’s hoping! 

When and Where is the Rugby World Cup 2023?

The Rugby World Cup 2023 will begin on Friday 8th September 2023 and run until Saturday 28th October 2023.

The 10th edition will be held in France with 20 teams from all over the world vying to be crowned champions, it promises to be an exciting tournament.

With a total of 48 matches, held at 9 different host cities and venues it’s a unique opportunity to follow your favourites across the nation.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Who Will Win?

This year’s World Cup promises to bring the drama of close calls and shock upsets.

There is no doubt that rugby is extremely competitive right now. Italy’s rise, Wales’s fall, New Zealand slipping down the rankings, and the advancement of the Northern Hemisphere all tell us this World Cup will be the closest battle yet.

There are a few teams that have been tipped by experts and fans as the favourites to win the title. Nearly every game on the international stage is hotly contested at the moment, if a top side’s form slips, others will beat them.

New Zealand

The most obvious favourite to take home the trophy is New Zealand. The All-Blacks have won the tournament a record 3 times and have been the dominant force in the sport for many years.

The team has a lot of talent, experience, and skill, and they have always been at the top of their game in major competitions. However, the All Blacks, who can usually be counted on for dominance, enter this year’s World Cup cycle off the back of a bumpy year, which saw their worst-ever World Cup ranking.

However, when you think of world-class rugby, New Zealand is often the team that springs to mind, and they certainly shouldn’t be underestimated due to their recent performance.

Ireland

Ireland is viewed as a strong contender to win the competition. The formidable team have been putting on some impressive displays in recent years. Although they don't have a lot of success in tournaments, the current number one team will be hoping to reach their first World Cup final. 

France

Another team that many think might have a great shot at winning the trophy is France, they won the 2022 Six Nations and went the year unbeaten and are favourites to take home the 2023 trophy this March.

France, who sit second in the world, looked shaken while holding off a 12th-placed Italy in Round 1, with a winning margin of only five points.

However, the team is filled with some of the best players in the world. They will have a home-field advantage, and it would be an incredible achievement for the team if they could win the trophy.

England

Hopes took a dive in the opening round of the Six Nations, where Scotland secured yet another win against England. It was their second successive triumph away from home, the last in 2021 ended their 38-year Twickenham drought.

However, England usually performs well in World Cup tournaments and with a fresh coach, as well as a squad full of up-and-coming players, a new start might be exactly what they needed.

With predictions of a top-3 finish it really is all to prove for the new team and the final half of the Six Nations will have fans on the edge of their seats for success.

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