The 9th edition of the Rugby world cup is starting on 08 September and will continue till 28 November. RWC 2023 teams and pools are already announced. Just like the previous five seasons, 20 teams will be battling for the cup. Nine different stadiums have been announced for these exciting matches. The tournament has already gained so much hype that getting the ticket seems like the most difficult task in the world right now.
How many teams are playing in RWC 2023?
20 rugby world cup teams are already announced and they are divided into four pools, each pool has five teams. After group matches, the top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarter-finals of RWC 2023.
So this format makes this tournament very competitive as each team will have very limited chances to qualify for the next round.
How did they qualify for RWC 2023?
The top three teams from each of the 2019 Rugby World Cup Groups automatically qualified for RWC 2023 which means the remaining eight qualified after the qualifying round.
Table of Contents
Rugby World Cup 2023 Teams & Squads
Here are the 20 teams which qualified for the rugby world cup 2023:
1. NEW ZEALAND
With the three world cups to their name, New Zealand is the most successful team in Rugby history. They won the 1987, 2011, and 2015 rugby world cups, which is the highest number of world cup wins for any team. Let’s see what they can do this year.
World Ranking: 2nd
Pool: A
Forwards: Dane Coles, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell, Dalton Papalii, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’I, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane (captain), Luke Jacobson, and Ardie Savea.
Backs: Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beuden Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Emoni Narawa, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Mark Telea, and Will Jordan.
2. ARGENTINA
They don’t have any world cup win in their diary but it is a very competitive team for sure. In the last world cup, they reached the semi-final but couldn’t qualify for the final. The same happened in the rugby world cup 2007 when they managed to get the 3rd position. They will open their account against England on 09 Sep in this world cup.
World Ranking: 7th
Pool: D
Forwards: Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julián Montoya (captain), Agustín Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Francisco Gómez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Ignacio Ruiz, Matías Alemanno, Tomás Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Juan Martín González, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, and Pedro Rubiolo.
Backs: Santiago Carreras, Nicolás Sánchez, Santiago Chocobares, Gonzalo Bertranou, Tomás Cubelli, Lautaro Bazán Vélez, Lucio Cinti, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Moroni, Juan Cruz Mallía, Martín Bogado, Emiliano Boffelli, Mateo Carreras, Rodrigo Isgró, and Juan Imhoff.
3. AUSTRALIA
After New Zealand and South Africa, they have the highest number of world cup wins. Australia was the world champion in 1991 and 1999. In 2015, they reached the final and faced New Zealand but couldn’t manage to get the breakthrough. They will play their first match against Georgia on 09 Sep in this world cup.
World Ranking: 8th
Pool: C
Forwards: Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Will Skelton (captain), Fraser McReight, and Rob Valetini.
Backs: Carter Gordon, Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tate McDermott, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Nic White, Jordan Petaia, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Suliasi Vunivalu, Ben Donaldson, and Josh Kemeny.
4. ENGLAND
England has reached the final four times, 1991, 2003, 2007, and 2019 but managed to get only one world cup win in their account, that was the year 2003 when they beat Australia in the final. They are being considered as one of the favorites this year. They will be playing their first match against Argentina on 09 Sep.
World Ranking: 6th
Pool: D
Forwards: Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Dan Cole, Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, Theo Dan, Jamie George, Jack Walker, Ollie Chessum, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Billy Vunipola, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, George Martin, and Jack Willis.
Backs: Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Marcus Smith, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell, Elliot Daly, Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Alex Mitchell, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, Max Malins, Freddie Steward, and Anthony Watson.
5. FIJI
They have been in the quarter-finals two times, in 1987, and 2007 but they never managed to qualify for the semi-final. They were not able to play the rugby world cup 1995. This year, their first match will be on 10 Sep against Wales which is a team with a very decent record.
World Ranking: 9th
Pool: C
Forwards: Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Meli Derenalagi, and Viliame Mata.
Backs: Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Frank Lomani, Simi Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Sireli Maqala, and Ilaisa Droasese.
6. FRANCE
France is another very competitive team for this world cup. If I say they are the most unlucky team, it won’t be wrong because they played three world cup finals in 1987, 1999, and 2011 but couldn’t manage to get a breakthrough to become world champions. They will be hosting this year’s world cup and will play against New Zealand on 08 Sep in the opening match.
World Ranking: 3rd
Pool: A
Forwards: Reda Wardi, Pierre Bourgarit, Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Peato Mauvaka, Uini Atonio, Dorian Aldegheri, Thibaud Flament, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Willemse, Cameron Woki, Florian Verhaeghe, Thomas Laclayat, Demba Bamba, Bastien Chalureau, Grégory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Yoan Tanga, Sekou Macalou, Charles Ollivon, and Dylan Cretin.
Backs: Baptiste Couilloud, Baptiste Serin, Antoine Dupont, Maxime Lucu, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Romain Ntamack, Yoram Moefana, Emilien Gailleton, Arthur Vincent, Jonathan Danty, Gael Fickou, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Gabin Villière, Brice Dulin, Ethan Dumortier, Damian Penaud, Melvyn Jaminet, and Thomas Ramos.
7. GEORGIA
They have played only five rugby world cups so far and this is the sixth time they have qualified for the world cup. They don’t have very much impressive rugby world cup history as they never went far in the knockout phase. Their first match is against Australia on 09 Sep. Let’s see what they can do this time.
World Ranking: 11th
Pool: C
Squad will be announced soon.
8. IRELAND
In seven out of nine world cups, they have played Quarter Finals but were not able to qualify for Semifinals. In the 2007 rugby world cup they finished their journey in the pool phase. They will face Romania in their first match of RWC 2023 on 09 Sep.
World Ranking: 1st
Pool: B
Forwards: Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Gavin Coombes, Caelan Doris, Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Furlong, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Cian Healy, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, Tom Stewart, Kieran Treadwell, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, and Josh van der Flier.
Backs: Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Keith Earls, Ciaran Frawley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Garry Ringrose, Jonathan Sexton, Jacob Stockdale, Jimmy O’Brien, and Jamie Osborne.
9. ITALY
Italy has played all world cup tournaments but they always ended their campaign in the pool phase and never managed to qualify for quarter-finals. But here is another world cup so they can prove themselves to the world. They will be facing Namibia on 09 Sep in their first match of RWC 2023.
World Ranking: 13th
Pool: A
Forwards: Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Ivan Nemer, Filippo Alongi, Paolo Buonfiglio, Pietro Ceccarelli, Matteo Nocera, Dino Lamb, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Andrea Zambonin, Lorenzo Cannone, Riccardo Favretto, Toa Halafihi, Michele Lamaro (c), Marco Riccioni, Epalahame Faiva, Gianmarco Lucchesi, Marco Mandredi, Giacomo Nicotera, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Niccolò Cannone, Edoardo Iachizzi, Sebastian Negri, Giovanni Pettinelli, and Manuel Zuliani.
Backs: Martin Page-Relo, Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan, Alessandro Fusco, Alessandro Garbisi, Giacomo Da Re, Paolo Garbisi, Leonardo Marin, Tommaso Menoncello, Luca Morisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, Enrico Lucchin, Pierre Bruno, Ange Capuozzo, Federico Mori, Paolo Odogwu, Simone Gesi, Monty Ioane, and Edoardo Padovani.
10. NAMIBIA
They have played six consecutive rugby world cups so far and ended their campaign in the pool phase in every tournament and never qualified for the quarter-finals. They will be facing Italy in their first match on 09 Sep.
World Ranking: 21st
Pool: A
Forwards: Gihard Visagie, Wicus Jacobs, Herman Coetzee, Jason Benade, Des Sethie, Herschell van Wyk, Casper Viviers, Herman Agenbach, Adriaan Ludick, Wynand Breytenbach, Tjiuee Uanivi, Shifuku Haitembu, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tiaan de Klerk, Ruan Ludick, Le Beau du Preez, Max Katjijeko, Pieter Diergaardt, Prince Gaoseb, Johan Retief, Richard Hardwick, and Johan Luttig.
Backs: Tiaan Swanepoel, PW Steenkamp, PJ Walters, Jacques Theron, AJ Kearns, Oela Blaauw, JC Greyling, Warren Ludwig, Natie Janse van Rensburg, Chad Plato, Hillian Beukes, Danco Burger, Johan Deysel, Owen Hawanga, Alcino Izaacs, Jay-Cee Nel, Lloyd Jacobs, and Gerswin Mouton.
11. JAPAN
Japan has been very unlucky in their previous world cups as they never get past the pool phase. They will open their rugby world cup 2023 account against Chile on 10 Sep. How they perform in this year’s world cup is yet to be seen.
World Ranking: 14th
Pool: D
Forwards: Gu Ji Won, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Keita Inagaki, Craig Millar, Sione Halasili, Asaeli Ai Valu, Shota Horie, James Moore, Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter, Atsushi Sakate, Kosuke Horikoshi, Kazuki Himeno, Michael Leitch, and Shota Fukui.
Backs: Kenta Fukuda, Jumpei Ogura, Lee Seung Sin, Naoto Saito, Yutaka Nagare, Rikiya Matsuda, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Siosaia Fifita, Shogo Nakano, Lomano Lava Lemeki, Ryoto Nakamura, Semisi Masirewa, and Kotaro Matsushima.
12. SAMOA
Samoa is yet another Rugby World Cup 2023 Team. Their highest RWC finish is Quarter Finals and that too in 1991 and 1995. Since then, they couldn’t qualify for the next round except in 1999 when they played QF Playoffs. They will start their RWC 2023 journey against Chile on 16 Sep.
World Ranking: 12th
Pool: D
Forwards: Paul Alo-Emile, So’otala Fa’aso’o, Michael Alaalatoa, Brian Alainu’u’ese, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Charlie Faumuina, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Sama Malolo, Seilala Lam, Jordan Lay, Theodore McFarland, Luteru Tolai, Alamanda Taufua, and Chris Vui.
Backs: Ed Fidow, Neria Foma’i, Ben Lam, Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Sotiaki Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Duncan Paia’aua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Tumua Manu, Melani Matavao, Lima Sopoaga, Jonathan Taumateine, and Danny Toala.
13. SCOTLAND
They have been playing Quarter Finals in almost all world cups except 2011 and 2019 when they finished their journey in the pool phase. Their highest rugby world cup finish is Semi-Final back in 1991. This year they will play their first match against South Africa on 10 Sep.
World Ranking: 5th
Pool: B
Forwards: Dave Cherry, Luke Crosbie, Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie (c), Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Pierre Schoeman, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Javan Sebastian, Sam Skinner, and Hamish Watson.
Backs: Ben Healy, George Horne, Huw Jones, Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Finn Russell, Ollie Smith, and Ben White.
14. SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa is yet another good team in Rugby. They have won three rugby world cups so far, in 1995, 2007, and 2019. They survived the pool phase in all of their world cups. They will face Scotland in their first match on 10 Sep.
World Ranking: 4th
Pool: B
Forwards: Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Marco van Staden, Siya Kolisi, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, and Franco Mostert.
Backs: Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie Le Roux, and Damian Willemse.
15. URUGUAY
They have played only four rugby world cups (1999, 2003, 2015, and 2023) out of nine. They never managed to qualify for the next phase in any of their world cup tournaments. Uruguay will be starting their RWC 2023 journey against host France on 14 Sep.
World Ranking: 17th
Pool: A
Forwards: Facundo Gattas, Germán Kessler, Guillermo Pujadas, Matías Benítez, Mateo Perillo, Mateo Sanguinetti, Emiliano Faccennini, Diego Arbelo, Mathias Franco, Ignacio Peculo, Tomás Etcheverry, Manuel Leindekar, Diego Magno, Agustín Morales, Reinaldo Piussi, Felipe Aliaga, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Ardao, Lucas Bianchi, Eric Dosantos, Manuel Diana, Santiago Civetta, Carlos Deus, and Juan Manuel Rodríguez.
Backs: Agustín Ormaechea, Juan Manuel Tafernaberry, Santiago Álvarez, Santiago Arata, Felipe Berchesi, Felipe Etcheverry, Tomás Inciarte, Andrés Vilaseca, Juan Andrés Zuccarino, Felipe Arcos Pérez, Koba Brazionis, Nicolás Freitas, Diego Ardao, Juan Manuel Alonso, Gastón Mieres, Alfonso Silva, Mateo Viñals, Ignacio Álvarez, Baltazar Amaya, Bautista Basso, Ignacio Facciolo, and Rodrigo Silva.
16. Wales
Although they don’t have any world cup to their name they have emerged as a very strong team in the recent past. Their highest finish was Semi-Finals in 1987, 2011, and 2019 where they won the 3rd, 4th, and 4th place respectively. They will be facing Fiji on 10 Sep in their first match.
World Ranking: 10th
Pool: C
Forwards: Gareth Thomas, Eliott Dee, Ryan Elias, Dewi Lake, Ken Owens, Keiron Assiratti, Tomas Francis, Will Davies-King, Dillon Lewis, Corey Domachowski, Kemsley Mathias, Nicky Smith, Henry Thomas, Adam Beard, BAlun Wyn Jones, Will Rowlands, Christ Tshiunza, Teddy Williams, en Carter, Rhys Davies, Dafydd Jenkins, Taine Basham, Taulupe Faletau, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Justin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate, Josh Macleod, and Aaron Wainwright.
Backs: Tomos Williams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy, Rhys Webb, Owen Williams, Mason Grady, Joe Roberts, Nick Tompkins, Johnny Williams, Keiran Williams, Max Llewellyn, George North, Josh Adams, Alex Cuthbert, Louis Rees-Zammit, Rio Dyer, Cai Evans, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Rogers, and Liam Williams.
17. TONGA
They have taken part in eight world cups so far but they were not lucky enough to clear the pool phase in any year. They have to face Ireland in their very first game of the rugby world cup 2023. Let’s see how they perform this year.
World Ranking: 15th
Pool: B
Forwards: Paula Ngauamo, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, David Lolohea, Sosefo Sakalia, Ben Tameifuna, Tau Koloamatangi, Samiuela Lousi, Halaleva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Vaea Fifita, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sosefo Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Lopeti Timani, and Sione Havili Talitui.
Backs: William Havili, Otumaka Mausia, Patrick Pellegrini, Sonatane Takulua, Augustine Pulu, Manu Paea, Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, Fine Inisi, Israel Folau, Solomone Kata, Charles Piutau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, George Moala, and Kyren Taumoefolau.
18. ROMANIA
Romania has been part of all World Cups except 2019, but they were never able to clear the Pool Phase. In this RWC, they will open their account by facing Ireland on 09 Sept at Stade de Bordeaux. Fans are expecting good competition from them this time.
World Ranking: 19th
Pool: B
Forwards: Alexandru Gordaș, Costel Burțilă, Iulian Harțig, Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Thomas Crețu, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Robert Irimescu, Florin Bărdașu, Mihai Macovei, Vlad Neculau, Dragoș Ser, Cristi Boboc, Adrian Motoc, Marius Iftimiciuc, Ștefan Iancu, Cristi Chirica, Florian Roșu, and Damian Strătilă.
Backs: Gabriel Pop, Mihai Mureșan, Tudor Boldor, Gabriel Rupanu, Florin Surugiu, Alin Conache, Nicolas Onuțu, Marius Simionescu, Paul Popoaia, Tangimana Fonovai, Taylor Gontineac, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua, and Hinckley Vaovasa.
19. PORTUGAL
Portugal is very famous for its Football, mainly because of Cristiano Ronaldo but is not very good at Rugby. This is the second time Portugal has qualified for a Rugby World Cup. The first time was in 2007 when they lost all their matches. They will be facing Wales on 16th Sep in this World Cup.
World Ranking: 16th
Pool: C
Forwards: Diogo Hasse Ferreira, António Prim da Costa, David Costa, António Machada dos Santos, Francisco Fernandes, Anthony Alves, Francisco Bruno, José Madeira, Kevin Batista, Steevy Cerqueira, Jose M. Rebelo de Andrade, Duarte Diniz, Mike Tadjer, Lionel Camergue, Duarte Torgal, Martim Bello, João Granate, Rafael Simões, Thibault de Freitas, António Cerejo, Manuel Picão, David Wallis, and Nicolas Martins.
Backs: Jerónimo Portela, Joris Moura, Tomás Appleton, João Belo, Pedro Lucas, Samuel Marques, Pedro Battencourt, José Lima, António Vidinha, Raffaele Storti, Nuno Sousa Guedes, Rodrigo Marta, Vincent Pinto, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, and Simão Bento.
20. CHILE
This is the first time Chile has qualified for the RWC. They beat the United States 31-19 in Colorado with one point on aggregate. They will be playing their first ever Rugby World Cup match on 10th Sep against Japan.
World Ranking: 22nd
Pool: D
Forwards: Iñaki Gurruchaga, Esteban Inostroza, Augusto Bohme, Javier Carrasco, Salvador Lues, Matías Dittus, Tomás Dussaillant, Diego Escobar, Santiago Pedrero, Augusto Sarmiento, Alfonso Escobar, Raimundo Martínez, Javier Eissmann, Pablo Huete, Clemente Saavedra, Martín Sigren, and Ignacio Silva.
Backs: Benjamín Videla, Rodrigo Fernández, Santiago Videla, Lukas Carvallo, Marcelo Torrealba, Pablo Casas, Matías Garafulic, Franco Velarde, Nicolás Garafulic, José Ignacio Larenas, Domingo Saavedra, Iñaki Ayarza, and Francisco Urroz.
So that was the list of announced teams participating in the 2023 rugby world cup. One team is yet to qualify, we will share details with you soon.
Who will win this year? Tell us in the comments…
Relevant Links:
Rugby World Cup 2023 Points Table
Rugby World Cup 2023 Live Streaming
Rugby World Cup 2023 Tickets
Rugby World Cup 2023 Calendar
Rugby World Cup 2023 Pools
