The upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup in France promises to be an intensely competitive tournament featuring 20 teams pursuing the coveted title. The eagerly anticipated event is scheduled to commence on September 8.

As reigning champions, the Springboks enter this global showcase with aspirations of securing back-to-back titles, a feat accomplished only once before by New Zealand when they defended their 2011 title in 2015. A win in this tournament would see them become the first team to win four titles.

Notably, Namibia stands as the only other African representative in the competition, aiming to secure their first World Cup victory.

Johan Deysel Namibia’s Welwitschias, for his second World Cup appearance. Meanwhile, inspirational skipper Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks in France.