RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 DRAW COMPLETED AMERICAS POOLS CONFIRMED
Rugby 15s Senior Men
Earlier today, the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 Draw was held in Paris to determine which pools the participating nations will play in. RWC France 2023 will be contested by 20 teams, of which 12 were automatically qualified by finishing in a top-three position in their respective pools at RWC 2019.
December 14, 2020 (Langford, BC) – Earlier today, the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 Draw was held in Paris to determine which pools the participating nations will play in. RWC France 2023 will be contested by 20 teams, of which 12 were automatically qualified by finishing in a top-three position in their respective pools at RWC 2019.
The remaining eight teams will come through the regional qualification process and will consist of: Americas 1, Americas 2, Europe 1, Europe 2, Africa 1, Oceania 1, Asia / Pacific 1 and the Final Qualifier Winner.
- The Americas 1 qualifier were drawn into Pool A along with New Zealand, France, Italy, and Africa 1.
- The Americas 2 qualifier were drawn into Pool D along with England, Japan, Argentina, and Oceania 1.
- The Final Qualifier Winner were drawn into Pool C along with Wales, Australia, Fiji, and Europe 1.
The full results of the Draw can be viewed here: https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/pool-draw
Canada are contesting for one of the eight remaining spots at RWC 2023 and will compete in a revised qualification process for the Americas. World Rugby have confirmed an updated qualification pathway for the Americas that was consistent with discussions had with Rugby Canada and other member Unions over the past months.
“The number of Americas qualification spots for RWC 2023 remain the same, with two automatic berths and a third opportunity through the global repechage tournament” stated Rugby Canada CEO Allen Vansen. “The Americas region has a strong history of participation in the RWC. We remain committed and focused on ensuring Canada qualifies for RWC 2023, extending our tradition of competing in every RWC held.”
“Although there is an addition of one series in order to claim the Americas 1 position, our goals do not change,” added Canada Senior Men’s Team Head Coach Kingsley Jones. “We remain focused on our own development and progression, and are planning a strategic build-up to the qualification matches in order to be performing at our top level. We aim to win any series we play in during the RWC 2023 qualifying rounds.”
The timing and location of Canada’s home legs of RWC 2023 qualification will be released early in the new year along with the full schedule of Rugby Canada domestic events. All matches and tournaments are still in planning stages and may be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions.
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About Rugby Canada:
Rugby Canada is the national governing body of the sport of Rugby Union in Canada. They administer and operate Men’s and Women’s Senior and Junior National programs in both rugby XV’s and 7s, as well as govern the Club and community game for more than 30,000 registered participants from coast to coast in conjunction with ten Provincial Union members.
Rugby Canada is headquartered at the Al Charron National Training Centre in Langford, BC, with staff also working from Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Rugby Canada business operations, programs and events are delivered nationwide, including the internationally recognized HSBC Canada Sevens annual tournaments.
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