From World Cup ambitions to a new competition in international women’s rugby

France are the favourites to win the World Cup on home soil. There are at least six teams capable of going all the way.

There is a new competition in international women's rugby. South Africa and Scotland are taking part in the World Cup. Ireland are aiming to make it to the last four for the first time.

Steve Borthwick will replace Eddie Jones as England coach. Bethan will bring stability and will be able to develop the team.

Warren Gatland is the right man to get Wales back on track. He knows Welsh rugby like the back of his hand. However, the current squad is nowhere near as good as the golden generation he worked with. Not having Shaun Edwards is a major blow.

France are playing at their home World Cup. They play New Zealand in the opening game at Stade de France.

Ange Capuozzo is a winger-cum-full-back playing for Toulouse. He is on the rise and is expected to play for Italy.

Finn Russell and Gregor Townsend's relationship is stable for now. The Racing 92 out-half reminded Scotland head coach of his quality in November.

Joe Schmidt will be key to New Zealand's World Cup hopes. Ian Foster had a difficult year but he managed to keep his job.

Rassie Erasmus has been making a lot of noise about World Rugby recently. He is the coach of the defending champions.

Australia were dogged by injury throughout 2022. If they have a fully fit squad by the time the tournament begins, they are capable of winning the World Cup.

Tiny newcomers Chile, Portugal, Uruguay, Namibia and Romania are in for a difficult tournament in France. Tonga, Samoa, Georgia and Fiji are also in the tournament.

Stuart Lancaster and Johnny Sexton are leaving Leinster. Leinsster are prepared to deal with the loss of their two top coaches.

Graham Rowntree's predecessors were unable to bring silverware back to Thomond Park. This season, Rontree has shown positive signs and there are signs Munster are on the right track again.

Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale's contract is up at the end of the season. He needs to get back to his best if he wants to stay on an IRFU central deal.

Andy Friend will leave a big hole in Connacht's team when he retires. Friend has done a good job in his four years in charge.

Andy Farrell was a key part of the coaching staff in 2019. He believes Ireland can evolve their game plan.

Ireland are not ready to challenge for the women's Six Nations. Greg McWilliams' rebuild is still in its infancy. England and France are still rebuilding.

World Rugby are set to launch a new competition in international women's rugby. The competition will feature 16 teams, including Ireland.

Ireland's women's sevens team's main goal is to qualify for their first Olympics in 2023. They are tracking well in the qualifying process.

Terry Kennedy is the reigning world player of the year. He will return from his sabbatical in Australia and rejoin the squad. Ireland are looking to qualify for their second consecutive Olympics.

The Ireland U-20s are preparing for the World Cup. They won the Grand Slam last year. Richie Murphy is putting together a new-look squad.

The AIL is an afterthought for most, but the improving standard of the men's top flight is encouraging. Terenure and Clontarf are aiming to repeat last year's final. The 2022 Women's Energia Ail was condensed into a shortened format and Blackrock won.

James Culhane is the latest exciting Leinster back-row. Sam Prendergast is younger brother of Connacht and Ireland back row Cian. Evan O'Connell is nephew of Paul. Dannah O’Brien should push on in 2023. Blackrock”s back three player Méabh Deely is another emerging talent worth watching.