At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the four best sides in the world by a considerable margin - and ranked in the top four as such - were Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand. Yet, all four ended up on the same side of the draw and met in the quarter-finals.
England captain Maro Itoje and head coach Steve Borthwick have both said their aims are "definitely to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup" in Australia, reacting to Wednesday's pool stage draw.
England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Rugby's key dates, fixtures and schedule for 2026: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Red Roses, Six Nations, Nations Championship summer and Autumn Tests, Women's Six Nations.
It's been labelled a "tectonic shift", set to shake up the world of rugby union, but what is the Nations Championship - and how will it revolutionise the game? Here's all you need to know…
Mack Hansen grabbed a 28-minute hat-trick as Ireland secured a record and morale-boosting 46-19 victory over Australia in Dublin.
England head coach Steve Borthwick revealed that they have started preparing for Henry Pollock playing on the wing.
Henry Pollock emerged from the bench to score the crucial try as England began their Autumn Nations Series campaign with a scrappy 25-7 victory over Australia.
Steve Borthwick's England begin their 2025 autumn campaign on Saturday at home to Australia, with needle between the two sides building as the hosts responded to the Wallabies' 'whinging' jibes.
England have been plotting the downfall of Australia following a brainstorming session with the architects of 'Bazball'.
Two years out from the 2027 Rugby World Cup, England's attempt to scale Everest for a second time begins in earnest this autumn.
George Ford has edged Fin Smith in their battle for England fly-half duties against Australia with Marcus Smith missing the Allianz Stadium showdown altogether.
Full schedule for the 2025 Autumn Nations Series, as England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France welcome New Zealand, South Africa, Australia and Argentina.
Eight of rugby's leading unions have released a shared statement in which they state any player who joins R360 will be banned from playing for their country.
Highlights of the Rugby Championship match between Australia and New Zealand at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Quinn Tupaea scored a brace of tries as New Zealand fended off Australia 28-14 in the Perth wet on Saturday to give themselves a chance of Rugby Championship glory.
South Africa thrashed Argentina 67-30 in the Rugby Championship on Saturday to move top of the table with one round to play.
Australia's most-capped Test player James Slipper will retire from international rugby after Saturday's Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.
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