Rugby World Cup 2023: Full schedule and how to watch live action

The best men's national teams from around the globe are in France for the Rugby World Cup 2023 from 8 September to 28 October.

The 10th edition of rugby union's showpiece event is expected to be a more unpredictable affair compared to previous tournaments.

Southern Hemisphere powerhouses South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have dominated the 15-man game, with the three nations sharing eight in nine titles between each other since the inaugural showpiece in 1987.

South Africa and New Zealand are the undisputed kings of the sport boasting three titles apiece while Australia lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in 1991 and 1999. England is the only world champion side from the Northern Hemisphere, following their 20-17 win over hosts Australia in 2003.

But several European nations are hopeful of winning the 2023 edition on French soil, and some of the players in action at this event could also represent their countries in the rugby sevens tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics. There's plenty to watch for all the way up to the final in the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday 28 October.

Teams to watch at the Rugby World Cup 2023

South Africa, known as the Springboks, will be looking to defend the title they won four years ago in Japan. Led by inspirational leader Siya Kolisi, the Springboks are ranked third in the world and are among the favourites to lift the trophy.

The Springboks won the tournament in a historic home final against New Zealand in 1995 before reclaiming the title in 2007 and 2019.

Arch-rivals and perennial challengers New Zealand are ranked second in the world and like South Africa will be looking for a record fourth title. Known as the All Blacks, they won the trophy in 1987 before claiming back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2015. But New Zealand were humbled by South Africa in an international match in London on the eve of this tournament, denting fan hopes.

Hosts France and world number one Ireland go into the tournament as European favourites, having won the last two Six Nations tournaments in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

France's Les Bleus have finished runners-up in three Rugby World Cup finals in 1987, 1999, and 2011. They will be looking to cash in on the home-ground advantage and finally claim the title that has eluded them over nine editions. Look out for their star man Antoine Dupont, regarded by many as the worlds best player currently, and who has spoken of his desire to then compete at Paris 2024 in sevens.

Ireland have been one of the form teams over the last few years but are yet to advance past the quarterfinal stage of the tournament.

Past winners England have been struggling for form, but often perform at their best during World Cups. They reached the final of the 2019 edition in Japan, and were also finallists the last time the event was held in France in 2007.

Australia are another team who can't be ruled out despite a disappointing run of results this season, while Argentina are always a threat at the Rugby World Cup, finishing third in 2007 and fourth in 2015.

Rugby World Cup 2023 pools

Rugby World Cup 2023 full schedule: Group stages

Including live match start times

The winners of each semi-final fixture will face off in the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday 28 October in the Stade de France with the match kicking off at 21:00 local time (19:00 UTC).

The beaten semi-finalists will meet in the third-place playoff 24 hours previously at the same venue.

How to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup live

Please check local listings for broadcast schedules in your territories.

Rugby World Cup 2023 will be broadcast live in the following markets:

• Australia - STAN
• Andorra - MOVISTAR+
• Austria: PROSIBEN
• Belgium - TELENET
• Cook Island - Cook Islands Television
• Czechia - Ceska Televize
• Fiji - Fiji TV
• France - France TV, TF1, M6
• Germany - RAN
• Ireland - RTE, VIRGIN
• Italy, San Marino, Vatican - Sky Italia, RAI
• Japan - JSports, NTV, NHK
• Luxembourg - TF1
• Middle East and North Africa - StarzPlay
• Netherlands - ZIGGO
• New Zealand - Sky NZ, STUFF
• Papua New Guinea - Digicel, EMTV
• Portugal - Sport TV
• Samoa - TV1
• Romania - Digisport
• Spain and Andorra - MOVISTAR+
• Solomon Islands - Telekom Television
• South Africa and Sub-Sahara - SuperSport
• Tonga - Digicel, Tonga Broadcasting Commission (TBC)
• Turkey - SSPORT (SARAN)
• United Kingdom - ITV, S4C
• United States of America - NBC
• Vanuatu - Vanuatu Broadcasting & Television Corporation