2023 is set to be one of the biggest years in Rugby.The 2023 Rugby World Cup sits as the landmark event of the calendar as 20 nations fight to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.Outside of this, there is plenty happening in the Rugby world from new ventures, the return of the Sevens to Australia and a blockbuster Bledisloe Test.With this in mind, Rugby.com.au examines ten major events to mark down on the calendar for 2023.1.A blockbuster Rugby World Cup openerThe Rugby World Cup is set to kick off with a bang as the All Blacks take on hosts France at Stade de France.Both teams delivered a classic encounter the last time they played as Les Blues lit up the Parisian crowd with a 40-25 victory.This match-up will set the tempo for the tournament whilst also providing crucial towards how Pool A shapes up.The loser of this match will likely face the winner of defending champions South Africa and world number one Ireland, leaving this as a must-win clash for either side.2. Sydney Sevens returnAfter COVID cancelled the past two editions, the HSBC Sevens circuit finally returns to Australia at the brand-new Allianz Stadium.Both teams have a plethora of silverware to their name since the last event in Sydney, most notably the Triple Crown the Women won in 2022.The event generally brings out a party-like atmosphere with the new facility the perfect stage for the three-day festival to be held.Expectations will be high, with both sides coming off disappointing defeats in Cape Town after opening the Series with titles.

3. Wallabies head to the MCGThe Wallabies will be looking to pack out the MCG when they return for a grudge Bledisloe clash against the All Blacks.The last match in Melbourne ended in controversy as Jordie Barrett scored after the siren when Dave Rennie’s men looked to have sealed the win.As the drought continues to rise, the pressure starts to build to bring back the Cup, with a win fast-tracking their preparation whilst stimulating support for the team ahead of the World Cup4. WXVThe introduction of the WXV ensures vital regular Tests for the Wallaroos after their promising World Cup campaign.It plans to 'revolutionise the women’s international rugby landscape’, splitting teams into three pools.The Wallaroos need a strong Pac-Four campaign to ensure their spot in the top division, with the top three teams qualifying for the top division.Jay Tregonning’s side pushed the likes of New Zealand, USA and Canada last year and will enter this year’s event with renewed confidence after last year's quarter-final exit from Rugby World Cup 2023.5.Super Rugby PacificSuper Rugby Pacific looms as the most-open edition of the competition in recent memory.The Crusaders enter as the defending champions but the Blues will feel like they have a point to prove after their 15-game winning streak failed to deliver a title.From an Australian perspective, the ACT Brumbies will look to build off their semi-final appearance with Stephen Larkham.However, the NSW Waratahs are a team on the rise whilst the Queensland Reds will feel like they have a point to prove after they failed to turn their dominant start into a deep final run
6.Super W heading to FijiSuper W will head to new heights as the competition plays its first game in Fiji.It capitalises on the success of the Fijiana Drua, who will be the competition favourites heading into this year.This leaves the NSW Waratahs in the unfamiliar position of being ‘the hunters’, looking to rebuild as Arabella McKenzie, Lori Cramer and Kaitlan Leaney head overseas.The prospect of playing the final in Townsville will motivate the Reds after they missed out on last year’s finals7. Wallabies RWC openerThe Wallabies need to produce a benchmark performance when they open their World Cup campaign against Georgia on September 9.They found themselves trailing Fiji after the break in the corresponding fixture four years ago before dropping a close match with Wales the following week.Georgia are much improved from 2019, upsetting Wales in their last Test of 2022.If the Wallabies are off, it presents a real challenge to Dave Rennie’s men as they look to top the pool.8. Defend the crown Both Sevens sides are looking to build off dream 2022 campaigns as the World Series returns to normal.Tim Walsh’s side continues to go from strength to strength, although faces a serious challenge with the Black Ferns Sevens returning to full strength.Meanwhile, the competition for the Men has never been stronger, with at least eight teams viable contenders at each event for the title.
9. U20 World Championships returnThe U20 World Championships will finally make its return in 2023, giving the next generation vital exposure to International Rugby.The 2019 edition of the tournament proved as a pivotal launchpad for the Wallabies, allowing the likes of Angus Bell, Noah Lolesio, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson to make a name for themselves.Jack Bowen, Max Jorgensen and David Vaihu are amongst the players set to breakout in '23, with the squad set to come together in February ahead of the Championship.10.Super RoundSuper Round will be given the proper platform to shine, set to be held in round two in March.COVID forced the move to the ANZAC weekend, which left it struggling for traction in a period dominated by AFL in Victoria.The move back to earlier in the season allows for clean air in the ‘sporting capital of Australia’, with organisers looking to learn lessons from last year’s event.The Australian sides will be hoping for greater success, with just the Brumbies managing victory across the weekend.Click Here: canberra raiders rugby store