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.
The Rugby Football Union has no immediate plans to extend Steve Borthwick's contract as head coach beyond the 2027 World Cup despite England's success this year.
Ollie Lawrence, Tom Roebuck and Jamie George have been ruled out but Freddie Steward looks clear to return as England seek an Autumn clean sweep against Argentina.
For South Africa's 'bomb squad', now read England's 'Pom squad', as revealed by full-back Freddie Steward to Sky Sports this week.
England have made seven changes to their starting team for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series match against New Zealand, with Fin Smith missing out on the squad.
Never in the 142-year history of the Six Nations championship has a side clinched three titles outright in succession. Ireland had that chance in 2025 but blew it. How?
The law trials and rule innovations being debuted and continued during the 2025 Six Nations…
We take a look at what is still to play for as the 2024 Six Nations Championship reaches its conclusion.
England coach Felix Jones won 13 caps for Ireland but now he is plotting their downfall as Six Nations champions visit Twickenham.
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