All eyes will turn to Paris on Monday, December 14 for the all-important pool draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Twelve countries have automatically qualified for the next edition of the World Cup based on their top-three placings in each of the four pools at last year’s tournament.
The first band of countries is: South Africa (defending champions), beaten finalists England, third-place winners New Zealand and losers of that bronze medal match, Wales.
The second band contains Ireland, Australia, France and Japan, while the third group sees Scotland, Argentina, Fiji and Italy lumped together.
One team from each band will randomly be drawn into each pool.
Best possible group: England, Japan, Italy, Asia/Pacific, Final qualifier winner
Worst possible group: England, France, Argentina, Oceania 1, Europe 2
LIST | 5 wonderkids who could star for England at 2023 Rugby World Cup
Here are five players who could potentially break into the England set-up...
1. Josh Hodge
- Current number of caps: 0
- Position: Fullback
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 23
One of England’s most exciting upcoming talents, the fullback is built in the same mould as All Black Damian Mckenzie. Safe under the high ball and blessed with incredible pace, expect him to play a key role f=or Newcastle Falcons on their return to the Premiership. Hopefully he'll then be in a place to make a bid for international honours.
2. Marcus Smith
- Current number of caps: 1
- Position: Fly-half
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 24
Smith's rapid rise shows no signs of slowing down – it took barely a year for him to go from captaining Brighton College in an unbeaten season to involvement in the senior England squad. Therefore, it's not unthinkable that he'll be leading England's bid to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a second time.
3. Jack Maunder
- Current number of caps: 1
- Position: Scrum-half
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A lot of the English scrum-halves are ageing, meaning this is a direct choice between the Exeter Chiefs man and Ben Vellacott. However, his emergence as a premier playmaker in such a short space of time makes us think he will continue to get better, which will lead to him establishing himself in the England set-up.
4. Joel Kpoku
- Current number of caps: 0
- Position: Lock
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 24
The next star off the Saracens production line may be Kpoku, although the lock has been linked with a move to Northampton Saints due to the presence of Itoje, George Kruis and Nick Isiekwe at his current club. An incredibly hard-hitting carrier in the mould of Eben Etzebeth, a selection in the coming months would not be surprising.
5. Joe Marchant
- Current number of caps: 3
- Position: Centre
- Age at the start of RWC 2023: 27
A black belt in karate and also a former England schools finalist in gymnastics which would suggest the centre is blessed with power and poise! Has been involved in Eddie Jones's squad in the build-up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup and is someone we'd expect to step up heading into the 2021 Six Nations when he returns from Super Rugby and beyond. Toggle panel: Yoast SEO
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