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The January 2020 rankings will determine the World Cup 2023 draw. World Rugby made the decision noting that it believed it to be fair. The official release noted:
“The RWC Board determined that the rankings to determine seedings was best taken after Rugby World Cup 2019 as it was the fairest and most transparent option. With significant disruption to the international calendar in 2020 and Japan not having the ability to play, it was the least-worst option. This was also independently verified by Onside Law and Deloitte, who have significant draw experience.”
“Delaying the draw was not an option as it could only realistically be taken after The Rugby Championship in 2021 for fairness reasons, which would have a significant impact on tournament preparations, delaying the match schedule, venue allocation and ticketing programme launch.”
“The timing of the Rugby World Cup Draw was announced on 30 January following RWCL Board, World Rugby Executive Committee and World Rugby Council approval.”
This is now welcome news for the Americas. It means Argentina will not have the opportunity to improve on their ranking. As such, Argentina is highly likely to be drawn in a Pool of Death. This was the case for RWC 2019 when Los Pumas faced both England and France in pool play.
In addition to England and France, Argentina was also up against qualifiers the USA and Tonga. Both teams had their moments in the competition. It was a tough pool; one that came about after Argentina fell badly in rankings post 2015. The choice to not select from Europe coincided with Argentina’s fall and tough pool in Japan.
Despite qualifying as Americas 2 there were questions as to whether Uruguay had an unfavorable draw compared to Canada (Americas 3). The South Africans faced Australia, Fiji, Georgia, and Wales. Canada were up against Italy, Namibia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The bands for RWC 2023 will not see Americas 3 facing Namibia. The Africa 1 qualify has been allocated a position in Band 5. Both Americas 2 and the Final Qualifier Winner are in Band 5. In other words, assuming the USA are Americas 1, Uruguay Americas 2 and Canada Americas 3 then Namibia vs Canada would not be possible for RWC 2023.
The bands for the RWC 2023 draw favor Wales and Japan. Both teams have fallen since January 2020, yet both retain their band position from that time. Wales has played since then, unlike Japan.
- Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Wales
- Band 2: Ireland, Australia, France, Japan
- Band 3: Scotland, Argentina, Fiji, Italy
- Band 4: Oceania 1, Europe 1, Americas 1, Asia / Pacific 1
- Band 5: Africa 1, Europe 2, Americas 2, Final Qualifier Winner
Argentina and the USA would again be drawn together. Among the other possibilities are for three tams from the Americas in one pool. It is also possible for a historic South American RWC match between Argentina and Uruguay or a North American battle between the USA and Canada.
For the time being only Argentina is confirmed for RWC 2023. There will be two others from the Americas, and possibly three. The eight remaining positions are noted in the bands above and displayed on the image below.
