Rugby World Cup news LIVE: France name team as New Zealand worry over injuries plus latest England updates

The first match of the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup is almost upon us and will see hosts France take on New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris on Friday night.

Just days before the start of the tournament, preparations are underway from all the different camps with Steve Borthwick’s England rugby squad situated in Le Touquet. “We’ve found a town in France that really likes English people, which is quite unique,” joked the head coach earlier this week.

The players and management have presented a happy and relaxed front since arriving in France and have all spoken about their pride and excitement of being at the Rugby World Cup but England arrive here with little form and momentum due to injuries, suspensions, and three warm-up defeats.

They will no doubt address these concerns when talking to the media this morning and give some insight into the camp ahead of the start of the tournament before representatives from Scotland, Ireland and Wales do the same throughout the day.

Follow along for all the latest Rugby World Cup updates:

Rugby World Cup latest news

• France name team to face New Zealand in World Cup opener

• Tom Curry to start England’s World Cup opener against Argentina

• England expect to be fully fit for World Cup opener after Courtney Lawes fears

• Fiji fly-half Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 17:06 , Mike Jones

Warren Gatland back for more

Warren Gatland could not have imagined a year ago that he would be back as Wales head coach and preparing for a fourth World Cup.

His original 11-year stint in the job ended after the last tournament in Japan, but the Welsh Rugby Union turned to him following Wayne Pivac’s departure after a miserable 2022 when Wales lost nine Tests, including demoralising home defeats against Italy and Georgia.

Gatland’s World Cup record with Wales is impressive – two semi-final appearances and one quarter-final – while he relishes an underdog status that regularly accompanies his players.

A 33-1 shot, Wales might not be expected to feature at the tournament’s business-end, but Gatland will have other ideas.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:56 , Mike Jones

Discipline in the spotlight

The widespread hope is that France 2023 will be remembered above anything else for the quality of rugby on show – but it is not guaranteed.

High tackles, red cards, yellow cards and disciplinary hearings are an inevitability, while spectators are becoming accustomed with the foul play review bunker, where a second television match official can decide – on referral from the referee – if a yellow card should become red.

Coaches will want consistency, too, on punishments handed out by disciplinary chiefs – England captain Owen Farrell’s recent case highlighting that need – and all matters being efficiently and promptly dealt with.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:46 , Mike Jones

England up against it

It is 20 years since England conquered the rugby world – a success built from an imposing platform provided by players like Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Robinson and Richard Hill.

Two more finals followed in 2007 and 2019 – England lost both – and they will arrive in France following a difficult build-up.

New head coach Steve Borthwick, appointed earlier this year, oversaw an underwhelming Six Nations campaign, while key players Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola are suspended for opening World Cup pool action after being sent off during warm-up games.

There is little to suggest that England will be title contenders.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:36 , Mike Jones

A wide-open tournament?

Only four countries – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England – have won the World Cup during its nine previous stagings.

The All Blacks and Springboks are once again expected to feature prominently, but Ireland and France can be confidently added to that mix.

Six Nations champions Ireland, under the coaching direction of Andy Farrell, surged to top spot in rugby union’s world rankings, while Les Bleus’ thrilling playing style and power game are an irresistible combination.

A lop-sided draw – it was carried out in December 2020 – has all the heavy-hitters in its top half, which could assist teams like the Wallabies and Wales merely adding to the intrigue.

Sam Warburton and Andy Goode answer your Rugby World Cup questions

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:15 , Mike Jones

Former England player Andy Goode and Wales legend Sam Warburton answer your questions about the 2023 Rugby World Cup as well as looking back on their careers.

The two ex-internationals take a look at the form of tournament favourites France, New Zealand and South Africa as well as giving their verdicts on whether any of the home nations have a chance of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

Owen Farrell says high tackle that led to World Cup suspension ‘a mistake’

Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:03 , Mike Jones

Owen Farrell admits the tackle that resulted in his suspension for Saturday’s World Cup opener against Argentina was a mistake.

England’s captain is “gutted” to be unavailable for the pivotal Marseille showdown after his dangerous hit on Wales’ Taine Basham last month resulted in a four-match suspension that ends after the Pool D clash with Japan.

Farrell initially had his red card downgraded to a yellow by a disciplinary hearing, only for World Rugby to appeal against the decision, which was upheld.

Owen Farrell says high tackle that led to World Cup suspension ‘a mistake’

World Rugby chief confident no confusion around disciplinary issues at World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:54 , Mike Jones

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has expressed confidence that there would be no confusion surrounding any disciplinary issues at the Rugby World Cup.

England captain Owen Farrell will miss his country’s opening games of the tournament against Argentina and Japan after receiving a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle against World Cup warm-up opponents Wales.

World Rugby had appealed against the decision of a disciplinary panel to downgrade Farrell’s red card for a high tackle to yellow.

But a furious outcry greeted the verdict that Farrell’s shoulder-led challenge to Taine Basham’s head, which caused the Wales flanker to fail a head injury assessment, was a sin-binning offence only.

World Rugby chief confident no confusion around disciplinary issues at World Cup

Steve Borthwick says out-of-form England will persist with their current tactics

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:46 , Mike Jones

Steve Borthwick insists England will persist with their current tactics despite entering the World Cup with a losing run that has seen them installed as underdogs for their opener against Argentina.

Five defeats in six Tests have reduced expectations from outside the camp that they will make an impact in the tournament.

Argentina are positioned two places higher in the world rankings and England knows that if they fall again to the side that stormed Twickenham in November, they will have no room for manoeuvre in their remaining Pool D fixtures.

Borthwick’s team have been criticised for their statistics-based gameplan that places a high emphasis on kicking but the head coach insists there is no time to change the approach.

Steve Borthwick says out-of-form England will persist with their current tactics

England Rugby World Cup fixtures

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:39 , Mike Jones

England will begin the 2023 Rugby World Cup as outsiders, but a friendly draw could allow Steve Borthwick’s side to progress deep into the tournament.

A team that looked ready to kick on after reaching the final in Japan four years ago has failed to develop as hoped, with England struggling for much of this cycle.

Borthwick was installed as head coach last December after the Rugby Football Union (RFU) parted ways with Eddie Jones, but the former lock has failed to deliver immediate impact, with a fourth-placed finish in his only Six Nations campaign.

Still, England are in what looks to be the easier half of the draw, away from France, New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland, and will hope they can come together quickly at the tournament to launch another tilt at the trophy.

Here is World Cup schedule for England:

England pool fixtures:

England are in Pool D alongside Argentina, Japan, Chile and Samoa.

Saturday 9 September: England vs Argentina, Pool D (Marseille, 8pm)

Sunday 17 September: England vs Japan, Pool D (Nice, 8pm)

Saturday 23 September: England vs Chile, Pool D (Lille, 4.45pm)

Saturday 7 October: England vs Samoa, Pool D (Lille, 4.45pm)

All Blacks suffer potential injury blow ahead of World Cup opener against France

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:30 , Mike Jones

New Zealand midfielder Jordie Barrett is in doubt for the World Cup opener against France while battling knee soreness.

Barrett, who has proved a revelation at inside centre this season after shifting forward, had not trained this week in the lead up to Friday’s game at Stade de France, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Mcleod said.

“He’s had the night off and the day off today,” Mcleod told New Zealand media from training in Lyon.

All Blacks suffer potential injury blow ahead of World Cup opener against France

Steve Borthwick confident England will fix defensive issues ahead of World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:28 , Mike Jones

Steve Borthwick insists England will urgently address the defensive crisis that threatens to torpedo their Word Cup.

Fiji plundered three tries in a seismic 30-22 victory at Twickenham as England’s preparation for the tournament in France continue to unravel amid a run of five defeats in six games.

Most concerning of all is a defence overseen by Kevin Sinfield that has now been breached 30 times in Borthwick’s nine Tests in charge, each outing seeing an average of 26 points leaked.

Fiji were typically ruthless in attack but also met willing victims and with the World Cup opener against Argentina arriving in less than two weeks, England must resurrect a fundamental of their game.

England ready for ‘dangerous’ Argentina in Rugby World Cup opener

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:22 , Mike Jones

Argentina’s scrum may lack of the potency of old but Dan Cole insists it remains a significant threat to England’s goal of making a triumphant start to their World Cup.

Two sides who take pride in their forward dominance collide in Pool D’s highest-profile fixture in Marseille on Saturday, with the winners placing one foot into the quarter-finals.

Argentina’s last great scrum was 2015 when feared props Marcos Ayerza and Ramiro Herrera helped them reach the World Cup semi-finals, but more strings have now been added to the Pumas’ bow.

But tighthead prop Cole insists that with his Leicester-mate Julian Montoya present in their front row at hooker, they are still a formidable set-piece unit.

England ready for ‘dangerous’ Argentina in Rugby World Cup opener

The Argentina squad

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:13 , Mike Jones

Argentina coach Michael Cheika included Nicolas Sanchez and Agustin Creevy, who will play in their fourth World Cups, in a 33-man group led by hooker Julian Montoya.

Rodrigo Isgro and Martin Bogado make the cut in a competitive race for back three places, while experienced centre Matias Orlando is omitted after Lucio Cinti’s emergence as a midfiled option.

There is also a tournament debut for 38-year-old Francisco Gomez Kodela, but fellow veteran prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro has been ruled out after rupturing his Achilles.

Mayco Vicas replaces him, and Joaquin Oviedo is called up to replace Santiago Grondona, who has suffered a serious knee injury.

Forwards: Francisco Gomez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Mayco Vivas; Julian Montoya (captain), Agustin Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz; Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti; Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Pedro Rubiolo, Joaquin Oviedo.

Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Tomas Cubelli, Lautaro Bazan Vélez; Santiago Carreras, Nicolas Sanchez; Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Moroni; Emiliano Boffelli, Mateo Carreras, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia, Martin Bogado, Juan Imhoff.

Topsy Ojo backs Steve Borthwick’s England to come good at World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 15:02 , Mike Jones

Topsy Ojo has backed under-pressure England head coach Steve Borthwick to turn his side’s poor form around at the World Cup in France.

England have won just two of their nine fixtures in 2023 and will look to ignite their World Cup bid in their crucial opening Pool D fixture against Argentina on Saturday.

Former London Irish and England player Ojo acknowledged Borthwick’s side have not won enough games of late but insists they have the tools to create an upturn in form.

POOL D

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:58 , Mike Jones

Sat 9 Sept England v Argentina (8pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)

Sun 10 Sept Japan v Chile (noon, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse)

Sat 16 Sept Samoa v Chile (2pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Sun 17 Sept England v Japan (8pm, Stade de Nice, Nice)

Fri 22 Sept Argentina v Samoa (4.45pm, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne)

Sat 23 Sept England v Chile (4.45pm, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

Thu 28 Sept Japan v Samoa (8pm, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse)

Sat 30 Sept Argentina v Chile (2pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes)

Sat 7 Oct England v Samoa (4.45pm, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

Sun 8 Oct Japan v Argentina (noon, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes)

POOL C

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:53 , Mike Jones

Group fixtures:

Sat 9 Sept Australia v Georgia (5pm, Stade de France, Paris)

Sun 10 Sept Wales v Fiji (8pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Sat 16 Sept Wales v Portugal (4.45pm, Stade de Nice, Nice)

Sun 17 Sept Australia v Fiji (4.45pm, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne)

Sat 23 Sept Georgia v Portugal (1pm, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse)

Sun 24 Sept Wales v Australia (8pm, Parc OL, Lyon)

Sat 30 Sept Fiji v Georgia (4.45pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Sun 1 Oct Australia v Portugal (4.45pm, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne)

Sat 7 Oct Wales v Georgia (2pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes)

Sun 8 Oct Fiji v Portugal (8pm, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse)

POOL B

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:48 , Mike Jones

Group fixtures:

Sat 9 Sept Ireland v Romania (2.30pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Sun 10 Sept South Africa v Scotland (4.45pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)

Sat 16 Sept Ireland v Tonga (8pm, Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes)

Sun 17 Sept South Africa v Romania (2pm, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux)

Sat 23 Sept South Africa v Ireland (8pm, Stade de France, Paris)

Sun 24 Sept Scotland v Tonga (4.45pm, Stade de Nice, Nice)

Sat 30 Sept Scotland v Romania (8pm, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

Sun 1 Oct South Africa v Tonga (8pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)

Sat 7 Oct Ireland v Scotland (8pm, Stade de France, Paris)

Sun 8 Oct Tonga v Romania (4.45pm, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

POOL A

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:43 , Mike Jones

Group fixtures:

Fri 8 Sept France v New Zealand (8.15pm, Stade de France, Paris)

Sat 9 Sept Italy v Namibia (12pm, Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Étienne)

Thu 14 Sept France v Uruguay (8pm, Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille)

Fri 15 Sept New Zealand v Namibia (8pm, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse)

Wed 20 Sept Italy v Uruguay (4.45pm, Stade de Nice, Nice)

Thu 21 Sept France v Namibia (8pm, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille)

Wed 27 Sept Uruguay v Namibia (4.45pm, Parc OL, Lyon)

Fri 29 Sept New Zealand v Italy (8pm, Parc OL, Lyon)

Thu 5 Oct New Zealand v Uruguay (8pm, Parc OL, Lyon)

Fri 6 Oct France v Italy (8pm, Parc OL, Lyon)

Jonathan Humphreys urges Wales pack to be ‘accurate and relentless’ against Fiji

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:37 , Mike Jones

Jonathan Humphreys wants the Wales forwards to be remembered for accuracy and a relentless approach at the Rugby World Cup.

The Wales pack can expect an immediate test of its capability against opening Pool C opponents Fiji in Bordeaux on Sunday.

While Fiji are renowned for players with dazzling skills, their set-piece game has improved considerably under head coach Simon Raiwalui.

Georgia’s revered forward power awaits Wales in their final group game, with Australia also likely to pose plenty of questions during what will be a fiercely-contested pool.

Jonathan Humphreys urges Wales pack to be ‘accurate and relentless’ against Fiji

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:30 , Mike Jones

1. France

There’s reasonably little to choose between the top four sides in the world, but France, as hosts, just about get the nod as favourites.

The Stade de France was positively bouncing for the warm-up win against Australia and that sort of atmosphere could carry Fabien Galthie’s side through the tournament.

Romain Ntamack’s injury is obviously a blow, but there is no drop-off in talent with Matthieu Jalibert installed as the starting fly half, and there are few holes in this fabulous French side’s game.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:26 , Mike Jones

2. South Africa

The defending champions look to be in ominous form.

There’s real stylistic clarity evident in Jacques Nienaber’s side, particularly with Siya Kolisi back fit, while Manie Libbok is settling in nicely at 10 to add extra attacking potential to the backline.

Fatigue could yet be an issue – the Springboks’ players have been juggling northern hemisphere club schedules with southern hemisphere international involvements for the last couple of years – but Nienaber has plenty of depth in his 33.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:22 , Mike Jones

3. Ireland

Top of the rankings and unbeaten for more than a year, Ireland are genuine contenders for the first time.

Consistency-wise, their structured attack and defence are probably the best in the world, and though Johnny Sexton will have to get back up to speed after his ban, ring rust doesn’t tend to bother the fly half.

Andy Farrell’s side have answered pretty much every question posed to them in the last couple of years; can they become the first Ireland men’s side to reach the World Cup final four?

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:18 , Mike Jones

4. New Zealand

The All Blacks have progressed significantly in the last 12 months, but the Twickenham defeat to South Africa showed some old flaws up front with a couple of key personnel missing.

The air of invincibility that New Zealand used to carry is gone, though a multifarious backline has plenty in the toolbox and the tight five is vastly improved under Jason Ryan’s tutelage.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:14 , Mike Jones

5. Scotland

A slightly sluggish showing against Georgia but Scotland remain in good fettle.

In the other half of the draw, they’d be close to semi-final bankers, but escaping Pool B will be tough for Gregor Townsend’s men. Can they put a complete performance together against either Ireland or South Africa?

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:10 , Mike Jones

6. Argentina

Argentina are chugging along under the radar, which will probably suit Michael Cheika fine.

A frankly brutish group of back-five forwards and pace to burn out wide, though the Pumas’ scrum is more wobbly than usual. Santiago Carreras may be the key – the frisky fly half is still a work in progress but needs to find consistency.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:06 , Mike Jones

7. Australia

Five defeats from five to start Eddie Jones’s second stint in charge, but there were signs of promise against New Zealand and France.

A developing power game built around Angus Bell, Taniela Tupou, Will Skelton and Samu Kerevi, among others, could take the Wallabies deep – though inexperience at fly half and elsewhere is a major concern.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 14:02 , Mike Jones

8. Fiji

Rugby’s great entertainers enter this tournament better prepared than ever before.

The Fijian Drua contingent gives Simon Raiwalui’s side a backbone and cohesion, and the development of a couple of props has shored up the scrum.

Caleb Muntz produced a composed showing with the boot in the Twickenham win – if he can facilitate the unleashing of Fiji’s strike runners, then a deep tournament run is a possibility.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:58 , Mike Jones

9. England

A disastrous month of warm-up action for Steve Borthwick as issues with injury and discipline add to a general air of malaise around English rugby.

It is a long while since the 2019 runners-up played to potential, but there is surely too much talent and experience within Borthwick’s squad to make a pool stage exit.

That said, a subsequent meeting with one of the world’s top five nations is surely the limit of their ambitions.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:54 , Mike Jones

10. Wales

Signs of life for Wales with a couple of bright young things coming through to complement the remaining familiar faces, but Warren Gatland may still be fearful about the composition of a squad short on top-class talent.

Gatland has backed youth in key areas in the hope of a 2011-style blossoming – the opening pool fixture against Fiji really is crucial.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:50 , Mike Jones

11. Samoa

Perhaps no side has been more improved by the changes to World Rugby’s eligibility rules than Samoa, with Steven Luatua and Lima Sopoaga, among others, adding class and calm.

The Pacific Islanders are well coached by Seilala Mapusua and quietly have assembled one of the more complete squads in the tournament – if they can gel fully and avoid injuries to a few key individuals, don’t rule out Samoa earning a last-eight place.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:46 , Mike Jones

12. Italy

This Italian team is undoubtedly heading in the right direction but this tournament may come too soon for a statement performance from the Azzurri with both France and New Zealand in their pool.

The bulk of the squad will be in their prime in four years’ time when Italy will hope to have more Six Nations success behind them.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:42 , Mike Jones

13. Georgia

A side traditionally built around a power-packed group of forwards has more to it than past iterations.

Davit Niniashvili is a moustachioed menace from full-back while Vasil Lobzhanidze, Gela Aprasidze, Tedo Abzhandadze and Luka Matvaka – all 26 or younger – ensure plenty of creativity in the halves.

The win in Cardiff and besting of Italy last year have raised Georgian hopes of progressing out of their World Cup pool for the first time, but you fear that Australia, Fiji and Wales all have a little bit too much for Los Lelos when at full strength.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:38 , Mike Jones

14. Japan

Japan appear a team in transition as the end of Jamie Joseph’s highly successful time in charge nears.

A squad that so impressed four years ago on home soil has struggled to regenerate after stalling during Covid, and fitness issues in the back five of the pack are a concern.

Still capable on their day with their attacking invention, but it’s tough to see the 2019 quarter-finalists repeating that achievement.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:34 , Mike Jones

15. Tonga

Questions at fly half and in the front row will concern coach Toutai Kefu in such a tough pool. George Moala’s ban is a shame, too, though Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa and Charles Piutau still provide backline quality.

With so much focus on South Africa, Scotland and Ireland’s battles with one another, Tonga could catch one of the trio off guard – but the extended time between fixtures means they are unlikely to have heavily rotated opposition to get after.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:30 , Mike Jones

16. Uruguay

The return of star scrum half Santiago Arata is welcome news for Uruguay, who stunned Fiji in one of the games of the World Cup four years ago.

Much of the squad that travelled to Japan are back for more and have enjoyed a productive period of warm-ups in which Esteban Meneses’s team went unbeaten. You fancy that the task will just be slightly too large against Italy, though.

The 27 September meeting with Namibia in Lyon should be a lot of fun.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:26 , Mike Jones

17. Portugal

Portugal appear to be building nicely towards their first World Cup in 16 years, impressing against the USA and particularly Australia A.

There’s talent aplenty in the squad of Os Lobos, with a young group of outside backs that could light up a fixture or two, though a win will probably be beyond them in Pool C.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:22 , Mike Jones

18. Namibia

There wasn’t too much to choose between Namibia and Uruguay in their warm-up encounter, with the South Americans taking an eight-point victory but their opponents impressing. Namibia’s Pool A foes will have to look out for Tiaan Swanepoel’s massive right boot and the teak-tough Richard Hardwick, but a first-ever World Cup win might have to wait.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:18 , Mike Jones

19. Chile

This year’s only World Cup debutants arrive hoping to show their stuff on the biggest stage.

Fly half Rodrigo Fernandez’s fancy feet will cause problems for opposing defences, and a squad primarily drawn from the Selknam club should have plenty of cohesion.

A tournament experience should be a huge positive for a squad with room to grow.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:14 , Mike Jones

20. Romania

Romanian rugby is at something of a low ebb as their men’s national side arrive at a ninth World Cup.

Former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson’s resignation came suddenly last December and three defeats from three, including against the USA, represents a poor return from their warm-up fixtures.

It may be a case of damage limitation for Romania.

Danny Cipriani: Eddie Jones was ‘like a horny teenager’ asking about sex life

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:10 , Mike Jones

Danny Cipriani has accused former England head coach Eddie Jones of acting like a “horny teenager” in probing into his private life.

The former fly half endured a sometimes difficult relationship with Jones, with Cipriani earning only a handful of caps under the Australian despite impressive club form.

In his soon-to-be published autobiography, Who Am I?, the 35-year-old opens up on his dealings with Jones, recalling one conversation after he had been picked for an early summer training camp in Bagshot shortly after being left out for the coach’s first Six Nations campaign.

Cipriani had recently broken up with television presenter Kirsty Gallacher, and claims that Jones immediately quizzed him on the relationship.

Danny Cipriani: Eddie Jones was ‘like a horny teenager’ asking about sex life

How Scotland can overcome cruel luck to thrive at Rugby World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 13:03 , Mike Jones

Pessimism can sometimes seem to come a little too naturally to Scottish rugby fans, a certain fatalism worn almost as a badge of honour after too many days of disappointment and dejection, of squandered opportunities and wondering what might have been.

It perhaps feels somewhat appropriate, then, for Gregor Townsend to have assembled perhaps the finest side in the nation’s long rugby history and still know a second successive World Cup pool stage effort is on the cards if the tournament goes to form. Plenty has already been written about the lopsided draw but it feels particularly cruel to the Scots, inarguably among the top five sides in the world but drawn together with two of the four top favourites in the pool.

Townsend’s band of history makers have risen to new heights over these last four years, turning Calcutta Cup hope almost into expectation and building further through these last few months. Top to bottom, the likely 23 that will begin the tournament against South Africa in Marseille contains few clear weaknesses.

How Scotland can overcome cruel luck to create World Cup history

Rugby World Cup 2023: Felipe Contepomi expecting ‘very difficult’ encounter with England

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:56 , Mike Jones

Argentina assistant coach Felipe Contepomi expects England to be ready for their World Cup opener against the Pumas.

The 2019 runners-up have endured a difficult build up to the tournament, with injury and discipline issues adding to a strign of uneven warm-up performance on the pitch.

Contepomi, who captained Argentina at the 2011 tournament, nonethless expects England to be at their best come Saturday as the two sides prepare to kick off their campaigns in Marseille.

“England is the ‘big team’ in the group. They say they are ready for the Rugby World Cup and we expect a very tough match,” Contepomi said.

“You can analyse each rival thoroughly, but you also have to take into consideration what you can do. So you have to concentrate on everything you’ve been working on. It’s about us and doing our game in the best way possible.

“They are the strongest team in our group, if someone wants to call us favourites, it’s up to them. I don’t read the press much and I don’t use social media, so I don’t know what’s being said. But what I can tell you is that we are focused on what we have to do and that we know the power that England have.

“They’ve said they are prepared for the Rugby World Cup, so we expect a very complicated and very difficult match, very physical and strategic, the first match of the Rugby World Cup. But we are very focused on what we know how to do and want to do.”

Wales squad fit and firing

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:49 , Mike Jones

Wales boss Warren Gatland has reported a clean bill of health among his World Cup squad heading into their tournament opener against Fiji.

Co-captain Dewi Lake and No. 8 Taulupe Faletau were among a handful of players who nursed injuries during Wales’ World Cup warm-ups with Faletau playing no part in those fixtures due to a calf muscle problem.

“The last couple of weeks we’ve had a few niggles - we had eight or 10 players not taking a full part in training,” Gatland said. “Nothing serious, but just a few bumps. They’ve all been rehabbed and everyone is now fit, which is a positive place for us to be in.

“He (Faletau) has been taking a full part in training for the past three weeks. There is no doubt in the first week he was blowing pretty hard in terms of some of the set-piece stuff the boys have been doing for a number of weeks.

“That has taken a little bit of time, but we’ve kept a close eye on his GPS figures and they have been excellent for him. Even though he hasn’t been running around, he has done a lot of off-feet conditioning. Some of the work on the side of the pitch is harder than being on the pitch, and he is definitely in contention for the weekend.”

‘It’s an honour and a priviledge’ says Wales’ Dillon Lewis

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:43 , Mike Jones

There was a press conference earlier this morning for the Wales team and Dillon Lewis spoke about what it is like returning to the World Cup after featuring in the last edition in Japan.

“It’s always an honour and privilege to be selected.” he said, “It’s a massive weight off your shoulders but it’s the business end now. I’m excited for the game now. Their set-piece is probably a strength of theirs.

“Japan was a fantastic World Cup. I’m sure France will be the same. You see the crowds they get out here. The chance to travel across these fantastic places and then the most important bit is the rugby.”

New Zealand midfielder Jordie Barrett is in doubt for the World Cup opener against France

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:37 , Mike Jones

Jordie Barrett, who has proved a revelation at inside centre this season after shifting forward, had not trained this week in the lead up to Friday’s game at Stade de France, All Blacks assistant coach Scott Mcleod said.

“He’s had the night off and the day off today,” Mcleod told New Zealand media from training in Lyon.

“We’ll have to see how he wakes up tomorrow. He’ll have an assessment before (training) to see where he’s at, and we’ll go from there.”

The three-times world champions suffered their worst ever test defeat with the recent 35-7 drubbing by South Africa at Twickenham, having won all four previous tests in 2023.

Mcleod said the players were more switched on at camp after the Springboks setback.

“Their ears have been open a lot more, they’ve searched a lot deeper in terms of their execution and understanding of what they have to do, and they want to build to a level they want to play at,” he said.

“The legacy of the jersey means a great deal to the players, and they don’t want to let that down.

“From my knowledge of All Blacks teams, when they lose, they hurt a lot,” he added. “They don’t like losing and want to rectify it.

“That will be our motivation first and foremost, that’s what we’ve been building towards, and France just adds to that motivation in terms of being the host nation, and one of our great opponents.”

(Reuters, reporting by Ian Ransom)

France urged to drop lock convicted of racially motivated assault

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:31 , Mike Jones

France are facing calls to drop Bastien Chalureau just days before their home Rugby World Cup begins after the lock’s conviction for a racially motivated assault.

Chalureau was given a six-month suspended prison sentence in 2020 by a Toulouse court after assaulting two former players.

The 31-year-old, now of Montpellier, is appealing the conviction and denies the incident had any racial element.

Fabien Galthie had initially left him out of his 33-man squad for the tournament, but called up the second row after Paul Willemse’s injury last week.

But the France head coach’s decision to add Chalureau, who won his first international cap last November, to his squad has been criticised ahead of the tournament hosts’ opening game against New Zealand on Friday night.

France urged to drop lock convicted of racially motivated assault

Yoram Moefana to start at centre for France

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:24 , Mike Jones

Yoram Moefana will start at centre to make up for the absence of the injured Jonathan Danty, while flyhalf Matthieu Jalibert will pair up with Antoine Dupont for France’s World Cup opening match against New Zealand on Friday.

Les Bleus will also have to do without prop Cyril Baille and flyhalf Romain Ntamack, who are missing out on the tournament through injury.

“We’re getting into this match with the best France team,” head coach Fabien Galthie told a news conference on Wednesday.

Les Bleus, who are gunning for a maiden World Cup title, finished their preparations with a convincing 41-17 victory against Australia.

(Reuters)

England expect to be fully fit for World Cup opener after Courtney Lawes fears

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:18 , Mike Jones

England expect to have a clean bill of health for their vital World Cup opener against Argentina on Saturday after downplaying concerns over Courtney Lawes’ fitness.

Lawes took part in the first training session held since the squad arrived at their tournament base in Le Touquet on Thursday, but the Lions flanker missed Saturday’s capping ceremony because of “soreness”.

Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth revealed that England’s likely captain against the Pumas in the absence of the suspended Owen Farrell sat out the function merely as a precautionary measure.

Wigglesworth also issued positive updates on Tom Curry, Kyle Sinckler, Elliot Daly and George Martin, all of whom are carrying knocks ahead of the Marseille opener on September 9.

“Courtney is a bit sore from training on Friday so we decided the best thing for him was to not sit in a chair for an hour or so then have to stand up,” Wigglesworth said.

“He is resting at the hotel. He is bit sore from training – the pitch was heavy because of the rain. Nothing too serious, we are just looking after him.

“We have a few little bumps and bruises like everyone has, but I think we will go into next weekend with a pretty full bill of health.”

England expect to be fully fit for World Cup opener after Courtney Lawes fears

Eddie Jones brings noise and unpredictability - but also gives Australia a proven route to success

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:12 , Mike Jones

Few would have expected a quiet ride to the World Cup when Australia rehired Eddie Jones in January, but even by his headline-a-minute standards, these last few months have felt particularly rich in debate and drama.

Call it the increasingly outdated approach of a populist pretender clinging to a final chance at glory, or the masterful manoeuvres of a veteran schemer successfully taking the attention off his struggling side, but since his return to Sydney as Dave Rennie’s replacement, Jones has most certainly played the hits.

There was the jettisoning from the most inexperienced Australia squad in recent memory of Michael Hooper, presumed skipper, and Quade Cooper. There was the talking up of uncapped flanker Josh Kemeny as a potential wing option. There was the eve-of-tournament departure of attack coach Brad Davis, which brought about the “worst press conference ever” (Jones, 2023), where Australia’s head coach told journalists to give themselves “uppercuts” in his final press engagement before departing for the World Cup.

Eddie Jones brings noise - but also gives Australia a proven route to success

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:06 , Mike Jones

Stade de France, Paris

Capacity:81,500

The French national stadium is one of only two arenas in the world (Yokohama Stadium) to have held both a football and rugby World Cup final, and hopes will be high that the host nation can replicate the achievement of their 1998 footballing counterparts and secure a World Cup crown on home soil. The problems fans encountered at last year’s Champions League final will worry organisers, though World Rugby are confident there will be no repeat.

The sixth largest stadium in Europe will host the athletics during Paris 2024.

Matches:

France vs New Zealand, Pool A, Friday 8 September

Australia vs Georgia, Pool C, Saturday 9 September

South Africa vs Ireland, Pool B, Saturday 23 September

Ireland vs Scotland, Pool B, Saturday 7 October

Quarter Final 2 (Winner Pool B vs Runner-up Pool A), Saturday 14 October

Quarter-Final 4 (Winner Pool A vs Runner-up Pool B), Sunday 15 October

Semi-Final 1 (Winner QF1 vs Winner QF 2), Friday 20 October

Semi-Final 2 (Winner QF3 vs Winner QF 4), Saturday 21 October

Bronze Final, Friday 27 October

Final, Saturday 28 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 12:02 , Mike Jones

Stade Velodrome, Marseille

Capacity: 67,847

A regular haunt for the French national team when away from the Stade de France, the Marseille amphitheatre was also the venue for La Rochelle’s win over Leinster in last year’s Champions Cup final. The Stade Velodrome is scheduled to host two quarter finals, just as it did in 2007.

Matches:

England vs Argentina, Pool D, Saturday 9 September

South Africa vs Scotland, Pool B, Sunday 10 September

France vs Namibia, Pool A, Thursday 21 September

South Africa vs Tonga, Pool B, Sunday 1 October

Quarter-Final 1 (Winner Pool C vs Runner-up Pool D), Saturday 14 October

Quarter-Final 3 (Winner Pool D vs Runner-up Pool C), Sunday 15 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:58 , Mike Jones

OL Stadium, Lyon

Capacity: 58,883

Located in the Lyon suburb of Décines-Charpieu, the venue otherwise known as Groupama Stadium will host five tournament games. The brainchild of former Olympique Lyonnais president Jean-Michel Aulas, the final of the 2019 Fifa Women’s World Cup was held at the venue. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour will visit for two dates next June, while the stadium will also host the encounter between France and England on the final weekend of the 2024 Six Nations.

Matches:

Wales vs Australia, Pool C, Sunday 24 September

Uruguay vs Namibia, Pool A, Wednesday 27 September

New Zealand vs Italy, Pool A, Friday 29 September

New Zealand vs Uruguay, Pool A, Thursday 5 October

France vs Italy, Pool A, Friday 6 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:54 , Mike Jones

Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille

Capacity: 50,096

The impressive Stade Pierre-Mauroy, named after the former French prime minister and sponsored by sporting retail giants Decathlon, has established itself as the marquee arena in northern France. Located in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, which sits between Lille and Roubaix in a sprawling metropolis close to the border with Belgium, the stadium will host France’s Six Nations game against Italy next year with the Stade de France unavailable ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics

Matches:

France vs Uruguay, Pool A, Thursday 14 September

England vs Chile, Pool D, Saturday 23 September

Scotland vs Romania, Pool B, Saturday 30 September

England vs Samoa, Pool D, Saturday 7 October

Tonga vs Romania, Pool B, Sunday 8 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:50 , Mike Jones

Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse

Capacity: 33,150

The smallest of the nine venues, the Stadium de Toulouse is an occasional home of the city’s rugby side, the reigning French champions and provider of many of the national team’s best players. A third renovation was completed in 2016 to an arena first built for the 1938 Fifa World Cup.

Matches:

Japan vs Chile, Pool D, Sunday 10 September

New Zealand vs Namibia, Pool A, Friday 15 September

Georgia vs Portgual, Pool C, Saturday 23 September.

Japan vs Samoa, Pool D, Thursday 28 September

Fiji vs Portugal, Pool C, Sunday 8 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:46 , Mike Jones

Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes

Capacity: 35,520

Another returning venue from 2007, Ligue 1’s FC Nantes are the regular tenants of the Stade de la Beaujoire. It had been marked for demolition, with a proposed new build entitled YelloPark due to be built for this tournament and next year’s Paris Olympics, but the city council elected not to go ahead with the project. It was here in 2007 that Fiji stunned Wales to knock the Six Nations side out in the pool stages.

Matches:

Ireland vs Tonga, Pool B, Saturday 16 September

Argentina vs Chile, Pool D, Saturday 30 September

Wales vs Georgia, Pool C, Saturday 7 October

Japan vs Argentina, Pool D, Sunday 8 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:42 , Mike Jones

Stade de Nice, Nice

Capacity: 35,983

More commonly known as the Allianz Riviera, the World Cup marks a decade since the Nice venue was opened. Occasionally used by Toulon, the stadium is a few kilometres in-land from the hub of the Mediterranean hotspot, adjacent to the river Var. There is a museum of sports history on site for visitors to enjoy and the structure features a three-dimensional wooden frame that was the largest ever designed for a venue of this kind at the time of opening.

Matches:

Wales vs Portugal, Pool C, Saturday 16 September

England vs Japan, Pool D, Sunday 17 September

Italy vs Uruguay, Pool A, Wednesday 20 September

Scotland vs Tonga, Pool B, Sunday 24 September

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:38 , Mike Jones

Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne

Capacity: 41,965

Nicknamed “le Chaudron” (the Cauldron), or “l’enfer vert” (the Green Hell), AS Saint-Etienne’s home has been upgraded since hosting a handful of games during the 2007 tournament. English football fans may remember Stade Geoffroy-Guichard from their side’s 1998 Fifa World Cup exit on penalties to Argentina, while the stadium will celebrate a centenary year in 2031.

Matches:

Italy vs Namibia, Pool A, Saturday 9 September

Australia vs Fiji, Pool C, Sunday 17 September

Argentina vs Samoa, Pool D, Friday 22 September

Australia vs Portugal, Pool C, Sunday 1 October

Rugby World Cup stadiums: Which cities in France are hosting matches?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:34 , Mike Jones

Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux

Capacity: 42,060

Home to Bordeaux’s top football team, now in Ligue 2, this impressive arena was opened in 2015 and is sponsored by French insurance company Matmut. Nestled next to a nature reserve towards the north of the city on the banks of the Garonne, the stadium features quirky architecture and hosted five games during Euro 2016 - though is yet to hold an international game of rugby.

Matches:

Ireland vs Romania, Pool B, Saturday 9 September

Wales vs Fiji, Pool C, Sunday 10 September

Samoa vs Chile, Pool D, Saturday 16 September

South Africa vs Romania, Pool B, Sunday 17 September

Fiji vs Georgia, Pool C, Saturday 30 September

France team to face New Zealand in World Cup opener

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:32 , Mike Jones

France head coach Fabien Galthie named the following team to face New Zealand in their Rugby World Cup Pool A match at the Stade de France on Friday:

15-Thomas Ramos, 14-Damian Penaud, 13-Gael Fickou, 12-Yoram Moefana, 11-Gabin Villiere, 10-Matthieu Jalibert, 9-Antoine Dupont (cap), 8-Gregory Alldritt, 7-Charles Ollivon, 6-Francois Cros, 5-Thibaud Flament, 4-Cameron Woki, 3-Uini Atonio, 2-Julien Marchand, 1-Reda Wardi

Replacements: 16-Peato Mauvaka, 17-Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18-Dorian Aldegheri, 19-Romain Taofifenua, 20-Paul Boudehent, 21-Maxime Lucu, 22-Arthur Vincent, 23-Melvyn Jamine

‘We’ve got to be better across the board’ says Sinfield

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:28 , Mike Jones

Kevin Sinfield has no doubt that Tom Curry will make an instant impact upon his return to the matchday squad against Argentina as England hope to put their defensive frailties behind them.

“We just miss Tom Curry the player,” said Sinfield. “He speaks very well, he tidies a lot of things up, he is an incredible athlete and he does things a lot of other players can’t do.

“Being a defence coach, people back home might see different things than I do, the nitty gritty stuff that is really important, that pulls teams together, Tom does every single day, in many, many different actions.

“Just to have him available, what it does and why we have seen a little lift in intensity this week would be around competition for places. You suddenly throw Tom back out there and he is in the mix and there are a couple of back rows looking over their shoulder and understanding they have got to raise their game.

“Throughout my experience of being a player the best teams I was involved in, was when there were some wonderful names getting left out of a team. It shows the strength of your squad and having Tom available means there is a good quality player who is going to be left out.

“We’ve just got to get better across the board. I won’t hide or shy away from that. We need to be better across the board in our defence. We missed too many tackles last time out and that’s something we’ve got to rectify. I’m firmly in there with the players. I’m accountable, I’m responsible.”

Rugby World Cup 2023: Security beefed up ahead of tournament start

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:22 , Mike Jones

France will deploy up to 7,000 security personnel across the country as part of measures to ensure safety during the Rugby World Cup, sports minister Amelie Oudea Castera said on Monday.

The World Cup starts with a much-awaited clash between France and New Zealand at Stade de France on Friday, but the situation around the venue will be heavily monitored well before the 9 p.m. kick-off.

“It will be an outstanding moment of sport, this Rugby World Cup is set to be exceptional as France organises it alone for the first time,” Oudea Castera told a press conference.

Between 5,500 and 7,000 security personnel would be mobilised, added Oudea Castera, who also promised smooth travel conditions for visiting fans at airports and train stations.

“We have recruited 600 agents in airports to make it easier to go though customs and also reinforced the staff in the train stations,” she added.

Reuters

Farrell ‘made a mistake’ with high tackle on Taine Basham

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:15 , Mike Jones

England captain, Owen Farrell says he “made a mistake” with the dangerous tackle on Taine Basham that led to a red card against Wales last month and admitted he is gutted to be banned for the start of the Rugby World Cup.

Farrell will miss England’s tournament opener against Argentina on Saturday as well as their second match against Japan eight days later, having also been absent for the warm-up matches against Ireland and Fiji.

“I made a mistake and I got banned for it in the end,” said Farrell. “I am not going to sit here and moan about it now, I am excited for this World Cup to start, I am excited to see what this team can do and I look forward to being available again.

“I knew when it came on the big screen. It is what it is. I’ve been banned, I accept that I’ve been banned. I’m gutted not to be playing but I’m trying to do everything I can for this team.”

Despite England’s rocky build-up to the tournament Farrell insists everything can click into gear at the right in time.

“I have massive confidence in the group,” he said on Monday, “I know what the group is capable of. I know it is something that can turn pretty quickly.”

Lowest ranking for England before a World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:09 , Mike Jones

England’s troubled build-up to the World Cup is reflected in their descent to eighth in the last global rankings to be published before the tournament begins.

World Rugby has confirmed that Steve Borthwick’s side have fallen two places from sixth following their 30-22 defeat by Fiji in their final warm-up game – registering their joint lowest position in the standings’ 20-year history.

Fiji climbed from ninth to seventh on the back of their stunning victory at Twickenham while Argentina – England’s main pool rivals in France – are up one place to sixth.

What is the TMO Bunker and how will the foul play process work at the Rugby World Cup?

Wednesday 6 September 2023 11:03 , Mike Jones

The 2023 Rugby World Cup will see a revamped foul play process in place, with the introduction of the “TMO bunker” system at the tournament for the first time.

The introduction follows a number of World Rugby trials during the course of the last year, including the Summer Nations Series and Rugby Championship.

The “bunker” system is designed to improve accuracy of decision making and avoid significant disruptions to the flow of games, and has already been utilised in a couple of high profile moments ahead of the World Cup.

What is the TMO Bunker and how will it work at the Rugby World Cup?

Tom Curry to start England’s World Cup opener against Argentina

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:56 , Mike Jones

Back-rower Tom Curry is set to go straight into England’s starting XV for their opening Rugby World Cup match against Argentina more than three months after his last outing.

Curry has yet to feature under head coach Steve Borthwick after missing the Six Nations with successive hamstring strains before suffering an ankle injury at the start of England’s series of World Cup warm-up matches.

Defence coach Kevin Sinfield says England have been given a clean bill of health heading into Saturday’s game against Argentina in Marseille and the return of Curry will act as a huge boost to their chances.

They have shipped 30 tries in nine games under Borthwick and the last match, a first ever defeat by Fiji, saw England miss 27 tackles.

When asked what was wrong in defence, Sinfield referenced Curry’s absence saying: “I think it really helps having Tom Curry back available,

“He’s got a number of caps under his belt now and he’s been doing it for years. He can play a number of positions across the back row for us too. Delighted he’s available.”

Rugby World Cup 2023: Fabien Galthie defends selection of Bastien Chalureau

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:48 , Mike Jones

Fabien Galthie has had to defend the selection of lock Bastien Chalureau after heavy criticism related to Chalureau’s 2020 conviction for a racially motivated assault.

The second row was called up last week after Paul Willemse’s injury, and has denied the incident had anything to do with race, but politicians in France have suggested that Galthie was wrong to pick him.

“We have said the same thing now for four years and we carry this mission with heart and commitment: we have to unite and share with French rugby and all French people,” the French head coach said.

“For four years, racism has had no place in our team, it has no place in rugby. Integrity is a fundamental value of our team and our sport. Bastien has informed us of this affair and firmly and formally denies the allegations.”

France World Cup lock Bastien Chalureau insists ‘I’m not racist’ despite conviction

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:42 , Mike Jones

France lock Bastien Chalureau has denied accusations he is racist during an emotional press conference following his controversial call-up for the Rugby World Cup.

The 31-year-old Montpellier player is appealing against a suspended six-month prison sentence for a racially-motivated attack in 2020.

Chalureau, who has six Test caps, was added to Les Bleus’ 33-man squad by head coach Fabien Galthie following the injury withdrawal of Paul Willemse.

France World Cup lock insists ‘I’m not racist’ despite conviction

Fiji fly-half Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:36 , Mike Jones

Andrew Baldock, the PA’s Rugby Union Correspondent, says that Fiji fly-half, Caleb Muntz is out of the Rugby World Cup after picking up a knee injury.

Writing from Versailles, Baldock gave an update earlier this morning:

‘Fiji fly-half Caleb Muntz has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to injury.

‘The 23-year-old looked set to start Sunday’s Pool C clash against Wales in Bordeaux, but he suffered a knee injury during training on Monday and will miss the tournament.

‘Muntz played a key role in Fiji’s World Cup warm-up victory over England at Twickenham, kicking 15 points from three conversions and three penalties.

‘“Caleb sustained a knee injury in a non-contact session and is out of the Rugby World Cup,” Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui said on Fiji Rugby‘s website.

‘“It’s most devastating for us as a group and for Caleb. He has worked so hard for the past two years.”

‘Raiwalui added that replacement options for Muntz were being considered.’

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:31 , Mike Jones

Magnifique! France to triumph

Since the first World Cup in 1987, France have won 11 Five and Six Nations titles, including five Grand Slams, yet the biggest prize of all has eluded them.

World Cup finalists 36 years ago, then again in 1999 and 2011, they finished as runner-up each time. But if Les Bleus can cope with host nation expectation and pressure, something they failed to do when France last staged the tournament in 2007, then this could be their time.

They have the players – Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou and Charles Ollivon, to name just five – and coaching team to thrive. If France beat New Zealand in game one, then their momentum could prove unstoppable.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:25 , Mike Jones

Warren Gatland back for more

Warren Gatland could not have imagined a year ago that he would be back as Wales head coach and preparing for a fourth World Cup.

His original 11-year stint in the job ended after the last tournament in Japan, but the Welsh Rugby Union turned to him following Wayne Pivac’s departure after a miserable 2022 when Wales lost nine Tests, including demoralising home defeats against Italy and Georgia.

Gatland’s World Cup record with Wales is impressive – two semi-final appearances and one quarter-final – while he relishes an underdog status that regularly accompanies his players.

A 33-1 shot, Wales might not be expected to feature at the tournament’s business-end, but Gatland will have other ideas.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:19 , Mike Jones

Discipline in the spotlight

The widespread hope is that France 2023 will be remembered above anything else for the quality of rugby on show – but it is not guaranteed.

High tackles, red cards, yellow cards and disciplinary hearings are an inevitability, while spectators are becoming accustomed with the foul play review bunker, where a second television match official can decide – on referral from the referee – if a yellow card should become red.

Coaches will want consistency, too, on punishments handed out by disciplinary chiefs – England captain Owen Farrell’s recent case highlighting that need – and all matters being efficiently and promptly dealt with.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 10:13 , Mike Jones

England up against it

It is 20 years since England conquered the rugby world – a success built from an imposing platform provided by players like Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson, Lawrence Dallaglio, Jason Robinson and Richard Hill.

Two more finals followed in 2007 and 2019 – England lost both – and they will arrive in France following a difficult build-up.

New head coach Steve Borthwick, appointed earlier this year, oversaw an underwhelming Six Nations campaign, while key players Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola are suspended for opening World Cup pool action after being sent off during warm-up games.

There is little to suggest that England will be title contenders.

Rugby World Cup 2023 talking points

Wednesday 6 September 2023 09:47 , Mike Jones

A wide-open tournament?

Only four countries – New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and England – have won the World Cup during its nine previous stagings.

The All Blacks and Springboks are once again expected to feature prominently, but Ireland and France can be confidently added to that mix.

Six Nations champions Ireland, under the coaching direction of Andy Farrell, surged to top spot in rugby union’s world rankings, while Les Bleus’ thrilling playing style and power game are an irresistible combination.

A lop-sided draw – it was carried out in December 2020 – has all the heavy-hitters in its top half, which could assist teams like the Wallabies and Wales merely adding to the intrigue.

Rugby World Cup latest news

Wednesday 6 September 2023 09:38 , Mike Jones

Good Morning and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the latest news from the Rugby World Cup in France.

The start of the tournament is eagerly awaited and the first match kicks off on Friday night when the hosts take on New Zealand in what should be an electric and entertaining clash of titans.

Before then, the different teams have set up their training camps across the country and are preparing for their own opening games.

England take on Argentina on Saturday and as today is an access day for the media there will be news filtering through about how well Steve Borthwick’s men are readying themselves for this tricky match-up.

We’ll also have updates from the Irish, Scottish and Welsh camps as well as any breaking news that comes out too so stick around throughout the day for the latest updates from the Rugby World Cup.