2023 Rugby World Cup Tips & Predictions

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Friday 22
Saturday 23
Sunday 24
Monday 25
Tuesday 26
Wednesday 27
Thursday 28
Friday 29
Saturday 30
Sunday 1
Monday 2

2023 Rugby World Cup Squads - Get all the squad announcements for the Rugby World Cup

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 31 Aug 2023

Ralph Staniforth 31 Aug 2023

Share this article

The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off on 8 September
Each country can name a 33-man squad for the tournament
20 teams will compete at the Rugby World Cup

Expired

Squads are being announced for the 2023 Rugby World Cup (Getty images)

All the Rugby World Cup squad announcements are expected to take place over the coming days. Samoa and New Zealand have already confirmed their squads with South Africa expected to name theirs on Tuesday, and Australia on Thursday.

Live Rugby World Cup Squad Announcements

Pool A

New Zealand

Ian Foster has not raised too many hairs with the squad much as expected. Sam Cane will captain the side while veteran lock, Sam Whitelock will appear in his fourth Rugby World Cup.

With a total of 1493 caps within their squad, this is officially the most experienced All Blacks squad to ever appear at a Rugby World Cup. Other than Whitelock, six players will be playing in their third World Cup, while a further nine others will appear in their second. 17 of the players have never been to the World Cup previously.

Backs: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea

Forwards: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea

France

The hosts Rugby World Cup squad features very few surprises. Flanker Anthony Jelonch has made the squad despite not playing since February and his comeback is stil not known. Flyhalf and star player, Romain Ntamack was injured against Scotland and won't feature in the World Cup.

Backs: Baptiste Couilloud, Antoine Dupont (c), Maxime Lucu, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Jonathan Danty, Gaël Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Arthur Vincent, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Damian Penaud, Gabin Villière, Melvyn Jaminet, Thomas Ramos

Forwards: Pierre Bourgarit, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Dorian Aldegheri, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Sipili Falatea, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Reda Wardi, Thibaud Flament, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Willemse, Cameron Woki, Grégory Alldritt, Paul Boudehent, François Cros, Sekou Macalou, Charles Ollivon, Anthony Jelonch

Italy

Prop Marco Riccioni and scrumhalf Stephen Varney have made the squad after suffering injury against Ireland recently.

Backs: Alessandro Fusco, Alessandro Garbisi, Martin Page-Relo, Stephen Varney, Tommaso Allan, Giacomo Da Re, Paolo Garbisi, Juan Ignacio Brex, Luca Morisi, Pierre Bruno, Ange Capuozzo, Monty Ioane, Paolo Odogwu, Lorenzo Pani.

Forwards: Pietro Ceccarelli, Simone Ferrari, Danilo Fischetti, Ivan Nemer, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Luca Bigi, Epalahame Faiva, Giacomo Nicotera, Niccolo Cannone, Dino Lamb, Federico Ruzza, David Sisi, Lorenzo Cannone, Toa Halafihi, Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri, Giovanni Pettinelli, Manuel Zuliani.

Uruguay

Manuel Leindekar and scrum-half Santiago Arata are the most experienced players in top flight rugby in the Uruguay squad with both featuring in the French Top 14.

Backs: Santiago Alvarez, Santiago Arata, Agustin Ormaechea, Felipe Etcheverry, Felipe Berchesi, Nicolas Freitas, Andres Vilaseca, Felipe Arcos Perez, Tomas Inciarte, Juan Manuel Alonso, Baltazar Amaya, Bautista Basso, Rodrigo Silva, Gaston Mieres, Ignacio Facciolo

Forwards: Diego Arbelo, Matias Benitez, Ignacio Peculo, Reinaldo Piussi, Mateo Sanguinetti , Facundo Gattas, German Kessler, Guillermo Pujadas, Felipe Aliaga, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Leindekar, Manuel Ardao, Lucas Bianchi, Carlos Deus, Eric Dosantos, Santiago Civetta, Manuel Diana, Juan Manuel Rodriguez

Namibia

Backs: Oela Blaauw, Danco Burger, Johan Deysel, JC Greyling, Cliven Loubser, Le Roux Malan, Gerswin Mouton, Chad Plato, Alcino Isaacs, Divan Rossouw, Damian Stevens, Tiaan Swanepoel, Jacques Theron, Andre van der Berg

Forwards: Jason Benade, Adriaan Booysen, Aranos Coetzee, Wian Conradie, Tiaan de Klerk, Prince Gaoseb, Richard Hardwick, Max Katjijeko, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Desiderius Sethie, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tjiuee Uanivi, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, PJ van Lill, Casper Viviers

Two more players will be added before the deadline.

Pool B

South Africa

Jacques Nienaber announced his World Cup squad on Tuesday afternoon with a few huge surprises. The injured Siya Kolisi did make the squad as he is expected to return ahead of the tournament. Unfortunately, first-choice flyhalf, Handre Pollard, centre Lukhanyo Am and lock, Lood de Jager all missed out through injury.

On paper, the squad looks a bit unbalanced but Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus no doubt have a plan. All three above-mentioned players are on the standby list so should injuries occur, they will be back in if fit.

Backs: Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi, Willie Le Roux, Damian Willemse

Forwards: Ox Nche, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Marco van Staden, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert

Ireland

Cian Healy failed to make Ireland's 33-man squad due to injury. Jeremy Loughman from Munster has taken his place. Jacob Stockdale, Tom Steward and Cian Predergast are the other notable ommisions from Andy Farrell's squad.

Backs: Bundee Aki (Connacht), Ross Byrne (Leinster), Craig Casey (Munster), Jack Crowley (Munster), Keith Earls (Munster), Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster), Mack Hansen (Connacht), Robbie Henshaw (Leinster), Hugo Keenan (Leinster), James Lowe (Leinster), Stuart McCloskey (Ulster), Conor Murray (Munster), Jimmy O'Brien (Leinster), Garry Ringrose (Leinster), Johnny Sexton (Leinster, captain)

Forwards: Ryan Baird (Leinster), Finlay Bealham (Connacht), Tadhg Beirne (Munster), Jack Conan (Leinster), Caelan Doris (Leinster), Tadhg Furlong (Leinster), Iain Henderson (Ulster), Rob Herring (Ulster), Ronan Kelleher (Leinster), Dave Kilcoyne (Munster), Jeremy Loughman (Munster), Joe McCarthy (Leinster), Peter O'Mahony (Munster), Tom O'Toole (Ulster), Andrew Porter, (Leinster), James Ryan (Leinster), Dan Sheehan (Leinster), Josh van der Flier (Leinster).

Scotland

Jamie Ritchie will captain the side with 2019 Rugby World Cup captain, Stuart McInally failing to make the squad. Ben White has made the 33-man squad despite fears that injury would rule him out.

Backs: Darcy Graham, Blair Kinghorn, Chris Harris, Ben Healy, George Horne, Huw Jones, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Finn Russell, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White

Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Dave Cherry, Luke Crosbie, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie (c), Pierre Schoeman, Javan Sebastian, Sam Skinner, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Hamish Watson.

Tonga

Israel Folau has missed out on the Tonga squad for the Rugby World Cup in what is probably the only shock. Adam Coleman, who has played for Australia previously has however been selected, although he has never played for Tonga before.

Backs: Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Otumaka Mausia, George Moala, Manu Paea, Charles Piutau, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua (capt), Kyren Taumoefolau, Afusipa Taumoepeau, Anzelo Tuitavuki.

Forwards: Sosefo 'Apikotoa, Adam Coleman, Vaea Fifita, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, Solomone Funaki, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Sione Havili Talitui, Tau Kolomatangi, Paula Latu, Samiuela Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli, Paula Ngauamo, Semisi Paea, Ben Tameifuna, Sione Vailanu.

Romania

Atila Septar has left the squad for what is apparently personal reasons. Nine other players from the Top 14 have however been selected.

Backs: Gabriel Rupanu, Florin Surugiu, Alin Conache, Gabriel Pop, Mihai Muresan, Tudor Boldor, Nicolas Onutu, Marius Simionescu, Tangimana Fonovai, Taylor Gontineac, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua, Hinckley Vaovasa, Paul Popoaia

Forwards: Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Thomas Cretu, Alexandru Gordas, Costel Burtila, IIulian Hartig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Robert Irimescu, Florin Bardasu, Adrian Motoc, Marius Iftimiciuc, Stefan Iancu, Cristi Chirica, Mihai Macovei, Vlad Neculau, Dragos Ser, Cristi Boboc, Florian Rosu, Damian Stratila

Pool C

Wales

Rio Dyer and Mason Grady have both made the squad after impressive performances recently.

Backs: Josh Adams, Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Gareth Davies, Rio Dyer, Mason Grady, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, Louis Rees-Zammit, Nick Tompkins, Johnny Williams, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams.

Forwards: Taine Basham, Adam Beard, Elliot Dee, Corey Domachowski, Ryan Elias, Taulupe Faletau, Tomas Francis, Dafydd Jenkins, Dewi Lake, Dillon Lewis, Dan Lydiate, Jac Morgan, Tommy Reffell, Will Rowlands, Nicky Smith, Gareth Thomas, Henry Thomas, Christ Tshiunza, Aaron Wainwright.

Australia

Eddie Jones has made a couple of massive calls in his World Cup squad. Flyhalf Quade Cooper and former captain, Michael Hooper have both failed to make the squad.

Both decisions have baffled supporters and pundits alike. Hooper has been Australia's best player over the last couple of years where the Wallabies have really struggled. Cooper on the other hand has played some of his best rugby since returning to the side.

Backs: Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tate McDermott, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqaniawase, Suliasi Vunivalu

Forwards: Angus Bell, Pone Fa'amausili, Zane Nonggorr, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Will Skelton (c), Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini

Utility: Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny

Fiji

Waisea Nayacalevu will captain an experienced Fiji squad which only has one uncapped player in it. Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, and Peni Ravai will be heading to their third World Cup while a further six players will play in their second.

Backs: Frank Lomani, Simi Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese

Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Mimramira, Meri Derenalagi, Viliame Mata

Georgia

Alexander Todua and Lasha Khmaladze will both feature in their fourth World Cup tournament. Merab Sharikadze will captain this Georgians side.

Backs: Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tengiz Peranidze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Luka Matkava, Demur Tapladze, Aleksandre Todua, Merab Sharikadze, Tornike Kakhoidze, Modebadze Mirian, Akaki Tabutsadze, Davit Niniashvili, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Kveseladze

Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Nika Abuladze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Luka Nioradze, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Beka Gigashvili, Luka Japaridze, Guram Papidze, Lasha Jaiani, Konstantine Mikautadze, Nodar Cheishvili, Vladimer Chachanidze, Beka Saginadze, Mikheil Gachechiladze, Luka Ivanishvili, Beka Gorgadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Tornike Jalagonia

Portugal

Portugal's 33-man squad includes 17 players to feature in France. This is their first World Cup since 2007.

Backs: Joao Belo, Pedro Lucas, Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela, Joris Moura, Jose Lima, Tomas Appleton, Pedro Bettencourt, Rodrigo Marta, Vincent Pinto, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, Raffaelle Storti, Nuno Sousa Guedes, Simao Bento

Forwards: António Machado Santos, David Costa, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Francisco Fernandes, Francisco Bruno, Anthony Alves, Duarte Diniz, Lionel Campergue, Mike Tadjer, Duarte Torgal, José Madeira, José Maria Rebelo Andrade, Steevy Cerqueira, Martim Belo, Nicolas Martins, Rafael Simoes, Joao Granate, Thibault de Freitas, David Wallis.

Pool D

England

Steve Borthwick has surprised a few with his squad selection. The biggest surprise is the omission of Henry Slade who has been a regular for much of the last six years. He has also featured heavily under Borthwick, so it is a strange selection.

Backs: Henry Arundell, Danny Care, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Ollie Lawrence, Max Malins, Joe Marchant, Marcus Smith, Freddie Steward, Manu Tuilagi, Jack van Poortvliet, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs

Forwards: Ollie Chessum, Dan Cole, Tom Curry, Theo Dan, Ben Earl, Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, George Martin, David Ribbans, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Billy Vunipola, Jack Walker, Jack Willis

Japan

Japan have announced their squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While their form isn't great at the moment, Jamie Joseph has selected a squad very much expected.

Backs: Naoto Saito, Yutaka Nagare, Kenta Fukuda, Lee Seung-sin, Rikiya Matsuda, Jumpei Ogura, Ryoto Nakamura, Tomoki Osada, Shogo Nakano, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Semisi Masirewa, Jone Naikabula, Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima.

Forwards: Keita Inagaki, Craig Millar, Sione Halasili, Koo Ji-won, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Asaeli Ai Valu, Shota Horie, Atsushi Sakate, Kosuke Horikoshi, James Moore, Jack Cornelsen, Shota Fukui, Kazuki Himeno, Michael Leitch, Ben Gunter

Argentina

Michael Cheika has selected Martin Bogado in his squad after making his debut this past weekend against South Africa. The former Australian coach has also opted for an extra back which means only five props will be heading to France.

Backs: Gonzalo Bertranou, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Tomas Cubelli, Santiago Carreras, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Moroni, Emiliano Boffelli, Juan Cruz Mallia, Mateo Carreras, Juan Imhoff, Rodrigo Isgro, Martin Bogado.

Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julian Montoya, Agustin Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz, Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Pedro Rubiolo

Samoa

Coach Seilala Mapuusa has named flyhalf, Lima Sopaga, flanker Steven Luatua and prop, Charlie Faumuina, all former All Blacks in his squad. Christian Leali'ifano is also in the Samoa squad after representing the Wallabies at the 2019 tournament.

Backs: Neria Foma'i, Alai D'Angelo Leuila, Nigel Ah Wong, Ben Lam, Ed Fidow, Tumua Manu, Danny Toala, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Duncan Paia'aua, Lima Sopoaga, Christian Leali'ifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Ereatara Enari, Melani Matavao.

Forwards: Fritz Lee, So'otala Fa'aso'o, Jordan Taufua, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Fai'ilagi, Steven Luatua, Taleni Seu, Chris Vui (co-capt), Sam Slade, Theo McFarland, Brian Alainu'uese, Charlie Faumuina, Paul Alo-Emile, Michael Alaalatoa (co-capt), Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Sama Malolo, Luteru Tolai

Chile

Chile have announced its squad ahead of the Rugby World Cup. They have however only named 30 players so they can still add three before the deadline.

Backs: Augusto Böhme, Javier Carrasco, Matías Dittus, Tomás Dussaillant, Javier Eissmann, Alfonso Escobar, Diego Escobar, Iñaki Gurruchaga, Pablo Huere, Esteban Inostroza, Salvador Lues, Raimundo Martínez, Santiago Pedrero, Clemente Saavedra, Augusto Sarmiento, Martín Sigren (c), Ignacio Silva

Forwards: Iñaki Ayarza, Lukas Carvallo, Pablo Casas, Rodrigo Fernández, Matías Garafulic, Nicolás Garafulic, José Ignacio Larenas, Dimongo Saavedra, Marcelo Torrealba, Francisco Urroz, Franco Velarde, Benjamín Videla, Santiago Videla