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RUGBY WORLD CUPTeams

Discover everything there is to know about the Rugby World Cup teams with the help of the rugby gurus at RugbyPass.

On this page, you can learn more about all 20 teams in the tournament and their history at the Rugby World Cup. From the favourites to the outsiders, we've provided a full profile of every Rugby World Cup team, so you can go into the tournament fully informed.

Qualified Teams

South Africa
South Africa
World Rankings: 4th
Highest Finish: Winners
Pool: B
Team Page

South Africa are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions. Also known as the Springboks, they've won the competition on three occasions. Known for their imposing style, they're physical and pack a punch.

Led by exemplary captain Siya Kolisi, their squad is packed with stars of the game, including Eben Etzebeth and Faf de Klerk.

New Zealand
New Zealand
World Rankings: 3rd
Highest Finish: Winners
Pool: A
Team Page

The most successful team in the history of rugby union, the All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup on three occasions.

Although they're currently ranked third in the world, the All Blacks hold a winning record against every team in the competition. Known for their passionate haka performances before games, they're a physically imposing side who are led by legendary captain Sam Whitelock.

England
England
World Rankings: 6th
Highest Finish: Winners
Pool: D
Team Page

Winners of the 2003 edition of the Rugby World Cup, England will enter the 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup with a point to prove and a score to settle.

At the 2019 Rugby World Cup, they were beaten by South Africa in the final. This time out, they'll look to go one step further.

Wales
Wales
World Rankings: 9th
Highest Finish: Semi Final
Pool: C
Team Page

Wales have never won the Rugby World Cup, and their best result came way back in 1987, when they finished third.

That said, they’re more than ready to compete with the world’s top teams. Ably led by stars like George North, Leigh Halfpenny and Dan Biggar and coached by the legendary Warren Gatland, they'll be a force to be reckoned with.

Ireland
Ireland
World Rankings: 1st
Highest Finish: Quarter Final
Pool: B
Team Page

Although they're considered to be a force on the international stage, Ireland have never made it past the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup. However, they have reached this part of the competition on seven occasions, which shows their consistency and threat.

Recent wins over the All Blacks have shown the side's pedigree, and they'll be looking to spring a surprise.

Australia
Australia
World Rankings: 7th
Highest Finish: Winners
Pool: C
Team Page

The Wallabies have won the Rugby World Cup twice, first in 1991 and again in 1999. They've also finished as the tournament's runners-up on two occasions (2003 and 2015).

Although they're not considered a favourite to capture the crown this time, their side is packed with top players like James Slipper and they’ll still fancy their chances of success.

France
France
World Rankings: 2nd
Highest Finish: Runner Up
Pool: A
Team Page

Not only are France the hosts of the Rugby World Cup in 2023, but they're also one of the competition's favourites. In Antoine Dupont, they have a genuine star of the game, and their Six Nations Championship success has shown their pedigree.

With the roar of the French crowd behind them, Les Bleus are certainly a team to watch.

Japan
Japan
World Rankings: 10th
Highest Finish: Quarter Final
Pool: D
Team Page

Although they're not fancied to win the tournament, the Japanese team will be looking to build on the successes they've experienced in the last two editions of the tournament. In 2015, they famously overpowered South Africa in the pool stage. Then, in 2019, they reached the knockout phase for the first time.

Scotland
Scotland
World Rankings: 5th
Highest Finish: Semi Final
Pool: B
Team Page

The 2019 edition of the Rugby World Cup was disappointing for the Scottish side, who failed to get past the pool stage for only the 2nd time in their history.

Again faced with a tough pool in 2023, they'll need to put in some big performances if they want to progress ahead of either South Africa or Ireland. However, their recent form and Six Nations Championship performances suggest they might be up to the task.

Argentina
Argentina
World Rankings: 8th
Highest Finish: Semi Final
Pool: D
Team Page

Argentina's best finish at the Rugby World Cup came in 2007, when the side won the bronze final and claimed third place.

Very much a side on the up, they're well led by head coach Michael Cheika. Plus, they have recently put in some admirable performances at The Rugby Championship, where they've competed against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Fiji
Fiji
World Rankings: 13th
Highest Finish: Quarter Final
Pool: C
Team Page

Fiji have reached the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup on two occasions, in 1987 and 2007. A popular outfit who provide a fantastic combination of pace and power, they now hold several victories over tier one nations and will be looking to spring a surprise in 2023.

Italy
Italy
World Rankings: 14th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: A
Team Page

The Italian national team rose to prominence in 2000, when they joined the Six Nations Championship. Although they've competed at every edition of the Rugby World Cup and hold several wins over tier one nations, they've never gone past the pool stage of the competition. With both France and New Zealand in their pool in 2023, this pattern looks likely to continue.

Samoa
Samoa
World Rankings: 12th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: D
Team Page

Samoa have reached the quarter-final stage of the Rugby World Cup twice, in 1991 and 1995. However, in recent years, their successes at the tournament have been limited.

That said, their current squad has a fantastic blend of youth and experience, with top talents such as Chris Vui and Seilala Lam plying their trade for elite European clubs.

Georgia
Georgia
World Rankings: 11th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: C
Team Page

Georgia have never advanced past the pool stage of the Rugby World Cup. However, the side will be hoping that 2023 is the year they finally spring a surprise.

In recent years, Georgia have been slowly climbing the world rankings, and they've regularly won the Antim Cup and the Rugby Europe International Championship.

Uruguay
Uruguay
World Rankings: 17th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: A
Team Page

Nicknamed Los Teros, Uruguay are another side that have never managed to get past the pool stage of the Rugby World Cup. However, on three of the past four occasions they've qualified for the tournament, they have at least won a game in the group stage. As a result, New Zealand, France and Italy will need to ensure they're not complacent.

Tonga
Tonga
World Rankings: 15th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: B
Team Page

Like Romania, Tonga will also be making their ninth appearance at the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Similarly, the Tongans are also hoping to make their first appearance outside the pool stage.

Known for their famous war dance (the Sipi Tau), Tonga have previously recorded surprise victories at the tournament, including a 19-14 victory in France in 2011. However, their last win against a tier one nation came way back in 2016.

Romania
Romania
World Rankings: 19th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: B
Team Page

The 2023 edition of the Rugby World Cup will mark Romania’s ninth appearance at the competition. However, the country has never made it past the pool stage. In 2023, they’ve been drawn in Pool B, which also features Ireland, South Africa and Scotland. As a result, improving on their recent misfortunes appears unlikely.

That said, Romania were strong in qualifying and have been steadily improving in recent years, so they’ll be looking to spring a surprise or two in France.

Portugal
Portugal
World Rankings: 16th
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: C
Team Page

Portugal will make their second appearance at the Rugby World Cup in 2023. Back in 2007, they entered the hearts of rugby fans around the world and they were widely praised for their passion and commitment.

This year, they’ve been drawn in Pool C, alongside Wales, Australia, Fiji and Georgia. Although they’ll certainly be underdogs, they’ll be hunting for their first ever win at the tournament.

Namibia
Namibia
World Rankings: 21st
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: A
Team Page

Namibia are set to make their seventh appearance at the Rugby World Cup in 2023. To date, the team has never made it past the pools stage. In fact, they’ve never won a game!

This year they’ve been drawn alongside New Zealand, France, Italy and Uruguay and will be looking to taste victory for the very first time.

Chile
Chile
World Rankings: 22nd
Highest Finish: Pool Stage
Pool: D
Team Page

Chile will make their debut at the Rugby World Cup in 2023. After overpowering a much-fancied USA side in the qualifiers, they’ll also enter the tournament full of confidence.

However, they’ll face tough competition from England, Japan and Argentina at the pool stage and emerging from the tournament with a victory will be more than an impressive achievement.

Who will win Rugby World Cup France?

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Pool A

23%
15%
2%
1%
2%

Pool B

28%
11%
2%
1%
1%

Pool C

2%
3%
2%
1%
0%

Pool D

5%
1%
1%
1%
1%

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