The Springboks have selected Toulon as their base for the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 in France, with the team set to be based in Paris for their third pool match against Ireland in at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Controversial fullback Israel Folau is “definitely interested” in playing for Tonga at next year’s Rugby World Cup and has “no regrets” over comments that ended his Wallabies career.
Kicking coach Vlok Cilliers says France are “adding components” to their engine to compete with the Springboks, the “Lamborghini of world rugby”.
Versatile playmaker Kurtley Beale signed for the NSW Waratahs on Monday to keep himself in the frame to play for Australia at a fourth World Cup next year.
Namibia will be among the eight African teams taking part in a 10-day Rugby Africa Cup in France, which will double as the final round of 2023 World Cup qualifying for teams on the continent.
Charles Piutau is excited at the prospect of Tonga possibly facing South Africa, Ireland and Scotland in pool stages of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, if the Pacific Island nation qualifies for the showpiece event.
Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber says the world champions have a lot of work to do ahead of the defence of their World Cup title in France in 2023 but have solid foundations to build from.
