Seiji Hirao played in three World Cups and saw a fourth as Japan's head coach. He was also a superstar in his home country.

It may have taken time to make an impact, but this World Cup has finally captured the interest and imagination of the Japanese public — thanks in no small part to the exploits of their national team.

With qualification for the knockout phase secured after an Ireland performance more in keeping with what we have come to expect from this squad, the only outstanding issue surrounded the not insignificant detail as to whom Ireland would meet in their quarter-final in Tokyo next weekend.

The scenarios in Pools A and B may already became clearer ahead of Ireland’s kick-off against Scotland yesterday but asking South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus about quarter-final permutations following this defeat was a fool’s errand.

When rugby went professional — officially, at least — in 1995, Shannon won the first of their four-in-a-row AIL titles.

Brian O’Driscoll believes Ireland can back up their World No.1 ranking by winning the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Brian O'Driscoll believes Ireland can back up their World No.1 ranking by winning the Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Ever wondered who has won the most matches. Who has yet to wn any and who won in 1991?

The 2019 Rugby World Cup is nearly upon us and the Irish Examiner is giving rugby fans a unique opportunity to hear the thoughts of our expert panel including Irish Examiner columnists Ronan O'Gara and Donal Lenihan and Munster Rugby's Johann van Graan and Stephen Larkham ahead of this highly anticipated Rugby World Cup.

The IRFU have revealed their strip for the upcoming Rugby World Cup in Japan.

Whatever about the short-term objectives of winning a Test series in Australia, Saturday’s decider offers Ireland an excellent dry run for a potential World Cup quarter-final in Japan next year.

There will be no sentiment when Australia fly-half Bernard Foley locks horns once again with Ireland on Saturday bidding for a first victory over the old country at the third attempt.

Stuart Lancaster has backed his Leinster double winners to lay down a big marker for Ireland’s World Cup hopes next year when they take on Australia over three Tests this summer.

Joe Schmidt described choosing the 32 players he will take to Australia next month as the most difficult process of his tenure as Ireland head coach but it is clear he has selected a squad with a series victory over the Wallabies at the top of his priority list.

The celebrations of Ireland’s Grand Slam will continue a little while longer but even in the immediate aftermath of victory at Twickenham, thoughts were turning to what happens next.

The All Blacks juggernaut hit a road bump in the British and Irish Lions series but it should be back to business as usual for the world champions when they take on South Africa, Australia and Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Eddie Jones will look to emulate James Bond by making England “bulletproof” at the right time in preparation for navigating the 2019 World Cup’s most punishing group.

Joe Schmidt will be hoping Steve Hansen doesn’t bear a grudge when the All Blacks head coach helps pull Ireland’s 2019 World Cup pool opponents out of the bag during today’s draw in Kyoto, Japan.

When France’s new coach sets forward his plans for the national team, he does not speak of ambitions. Guy Noves has been around long enough to know he has a duty to the cause of picking up the pieces of his national team.

Galway manager Kevin Walsh is hopeful a trainer who played a part in the All Blacks winning the World Cup will provide the Tribesmen with an edge as they bid for glory in 2016.

New Zealand media toasted the All Blacks’ victory over Australia in Saturday’s final, hailing the achievements of a “phenomenal” team many are calling the best of all time.

If Richard Hugh McCaw lifts the Webb Ellis Cup up to the London skies tonight in his final act as an All Black, it would do more than reinforce his claim to being rugby’s ultimate gladiator, the best player the game has seen.

Good afternoon. Here’s all the news you need to know this lunchtime.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

After six weeks, Saturday will see the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup.

The odds are stacked against Australia as they head into Saturday’s Rugby World Cup final with arch rivals New Zealand, but coach Michael Cheika is refusing to contemplate defeat.

Michael Cheika is just 80 minutes away from completing the coaching miracle of the professional era after guiding Australia to the World Cup final last night.

By Brendan O’Brien

Neville O’Donoghue and Steve Neville discuss the RWC and who will win it.