World Rugby has confirmed that the draw for the 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place after this year's November internationals.
The seedings will be confirmed after those games in November and Ireland will be hoping to improve their current fifth-place ranking in order to be among the top seeds for the pool stage in France.
“The draw timing also enables an exciting match schedule with teams and fans at heart to be developed that optimises rest periods, travel and broadcast, while maximising planning and preparation," World Rugby announced in a statement.
World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont said of the upcoming draw:
"The pool draw is an important milestone on the road to Rugby World Cup 2023 in France as it really drives excitement and momentum both in the host nation and throughout the global rugby family – it is the moment teams and fans can start to plan.
"With the World Rugby Rankings determining the bands for the RWC 2023 pool draw, it promises to be a fascinating year of men's international rugby with every match counting towards seeding at the end of the November test series, which is exciting for fans.
"With planning and preparation for France 2023 gathering momentum, Paris will provide the perfect setting for what promises to be a fascinating Rugby World Cup 2023 pool draw."
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