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Rugby World Cup rookies in the spotlight

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

No player ever forgets their first cap for their country, let alone when it comes on the game’s greatest stage – at a Rugby World Cup. For those rookies fortunate enough to get picked for...

Wales centre Mason Grady has tough family act to follow at first Rugby World Cup

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Wales centre Mason Grady has a tough family act to follow at his first Rugby World Cup. To gain selection for rugby union’s global spectacular just five months after your 21st birthday is no mean...

Jack Dempsey ready for ‘epic’ World Cup as Scotland mainstay

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Scotland back-rower Jack Dempsey cannot wait to land in France this weekend and start “soaking in” what he believes will be a spectacular Rugby World Cup. The Sydney-born 29-year-old went...

Mike Tindall wants Alex Mitchell or Danny Care to pace England attack

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Mike Tindall has urged England to pick Alex Mitchell or Danny Care for their critical World Cup opener against Argentina in the hope it will ignite their misfiring attack. A dire build-up to the tournament...

World Cup draw gives England glimmer of hope after poor form, injuries and bans

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

England enter the World Cup at their lowest ebb yet because of the most lopsided draw in the tournament’s history they still have hope of reaching the quarter-finals. A disastrous build-up has seen...

Rankings suggest Ireland or France can land a first World Cup

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

There is a neat statistical symmetry that suggests the 2023 Rugby World Cup might be won by Ireland or France. Since the sport’s world rankings were launched 20 years ago, all five subsequent world...

Warren Gatland plans patient approach but also surprises from Wales at World Cup

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The New Zealander has an outstanding Rugby World Cup record as Wales boss. Wales know they are in safe hands when Warren Gatland leads them to his fourth Rugby World Cup as head coach. But it could prove...

Switching sides: Who's found a new nationality for the World Cup

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

The Springboks may have voted against the law change, but they have taken advantage by turning their South African-born lock Jean Kleyn from a five-time Irish international who played twice at the last...

Talking points ahead of 2023 Rugby World Cup in France

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

One of the most eagerly-awaited tournaments in Rugby World Cup history will unfold in France during September and October. It takes place across nine host cities – Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Bordeaux,...

Fiji lead high Pacific island hopes at Rugby World Cup

7 months ago by Ultimate Rugby

Fiji head into the upcoming Rugby World Cup in France buoyed by their first-ever win over England and hoping to end a 16-year wait for a Pacific island nation to reach the knockout stage. The Flying Fijians...