Early draw hurts 2023 Rugby World Cup

A World Cup draw should not be conducted three years before the tournament, writes SIMON BORCHARDT.

USA set to be awarded 2031, 2033 World Cups

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin sees a $500 million plan for the United States to host the 2031 men’s and 2033 women’s World Cups as essential for growing the sport globally.

Unrepentant Folau targets World Cup return with Tonga

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.

Kiwi scribe: Boks need Rassie to win 2023 World Cup

New Zealand-based rugby writer Ben Smith says it’s the Springboks, and not England, who are desperate for Rassie Erasmus to swoop in and save them from “a bloodbath” at the 2023 World Cup.

USA circles back to pitch on two World Cups

USA Rugby officials have said they will refocus bid plans and seek the 2031 Men’s World Cup and 2033 Women’s World Cup after a three-day summit with World Rugby leaders.

Watch: Fans swamp Boks’ RWC opponents Spain

Spain beat Portugal 33-28 in Madrid on Sunday to become the 16th team to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, in the process booking a date with the reigning champions, the Springboks.

Vlok: France on collision course with ‘Lamborghini’ Boks

Kicking coach Vlok Cilliers says France are “adding components” to their engine to compete with the Springboks, the “Lamborghini of world rugby”.

Russia ban secures Georgia’s World Cup spot

Georgia have secured their place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France after all remaining games involving Russia in the Rugby Europe Championship 2022 were abandoned, World Rugby announced on Thursday.

World Rugby suspends Russia ‘until further notice’

Russia and Belarus were suspended from all international rugby “until further notice” on Tuesday, the world governing body said, as it announced “full and immediate” sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Beale makes Wallabies return, eyes fourth World Cup

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.