Rugby World Cup 2023: Pools, Dates, Live Streaming, Preview & Odds

Excitement is mounting in global rugby union circles, with the tenth edition of the World Cup scheduled to take place in France during September and October. The tournament promises to be fiercely fought, with little to choose between several teams in the latest online betting odds.

France and New Zealand are among the more fancied teams, while in-form Ireland have attracted plenty of interest from punters in the ante-post market. The latest rugby union betting in Ireland rate them as 4/1 shots to get their hands on the prestigious trophy for the first time in tournament history.

Read on as we take a closer look at the 2023 Rugby World Cup including the draw for the opening round, dates, live streaming and more.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Pools

The line-up for the opening stage of the 2023 World Cup is as follows:

• Pool A: New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia.
• Pool B: South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania.
• Pool C: Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal.
• Pool D: England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Dates

The schedule for the 2023 Rugby World Cup is as follows:

• Pool Stage: September 8 – October 8.
• Quarter-Finals: October 14/15.
• Semi-Finals: October 20/21.
• Third-Place Play-Off: October 27.
• Final: October 28.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Live Streaming

Live streams of the 2023 Rugby World Cup will be available via the following broadcasters:

• Australia – Stan Sport, Nine Network.
• France – TF1, France Televisions, M6.
• Ireland – RTE, Virgin Media.
• Italy – Rai, Sky Sport.
• Japan – J Sports, Nippon TV, NHK.
• Netherlands – Ziggo Sport.
• New Zealand – Sky, Prime.
• South Africa – SuperSport.
• United Kingdom – ITV.
• United States – NBC Sports.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview

Southern hemisphere teams have dominated proceedings at previous World Cups, winning eight of the nine previous editions of the tournament. New Zealand and South Africa lead the way with three wins apiece, while Australia have lifted the prestigious trophy on two previous occasions.

England’s success against Australia in 2003 is the only time a northern hemisphere team has recorded a World Cup final victory. It would be a brave move to back them to double their tally given their disappointing performances in the Six Nations tournament earlier this year.

More likely European winners are France and Italy – both of whom have the ability to give the southern hemisphere teams a serious run for their money. The hosts have finished runners-up on three previous occasions and will fancy their chances of making a strong big for the title given they have home advantage.

Ireland have been strongly touted by several respected pundits and they should have no difficulty progressing to the knockout stage. However, they have historically failed to live up to expectations on the world stage and it would be a risky move to back them to end their wait to win the title.

New Zealand and South Africa should be extremely competitive, while Australia have the potential to upset the odds if they produce their best form in France. The Wallabies have been inconsistent in recent times, although injuries to key players undoubtedly hindered their performances in several games.

They came close to beating Ireland, France and New Zealand last year and probably deserved to win at least two of those three encounters. If they have a full squad at their disposal, Australia could prove to be the value bet in what looks to be a wide-open tournament. 

Rugby World Cup 2023 Odds

The latest Rugby World Cup 2023 odds are as follows:

• France – 11/4
• New Zealand – 3/1
• Ireland – 4/1
• South Africa – 9/2
• Australia – 9/1
• England – 10/1
• Argentina – 28/1
• Wales – 30/1
• Scotland – 33/1
• Fiji – 200/1
• Japan – 200/1
• Tonga – 500/1
• Georgia – 500/1
• Italy – 500/1
• Samoa – 500/1
• Portugal – 1000/1
• Romania – 1000/1
• Uruguay – 1000/1
• Namibia – 1000/1
• Chile – 1000/1

The sites listed at bettingtop10.com/ie/ will have Rugby World Cup odds available in the run-up to the tournament and when the action gets underway.