Sportsworld brings you a special podcast previewing this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

20 teams will battle it out for rugby’s biggest prize, with New Zealand hoping to defend their crown after winning in 2015.

Shabnam Younus-Jewell is joined by former England 7’s player and broadcaster, Rob Vickerman, and editor of World Rugby, Sarah Mockford, to discuss all the key talking points ahead of the tournament.

We’ll chat about New Zealand, Australia, England, Wales and the world number one team, Ireland.

Former South Africa international Thinus Delport joins us to chat about the Springboks' hopes of winning the trophy and he discusses the recent passing of his friend and former teammate, Chester Williams – who was the only black player in South Africa’s 1995 World Cup-winning squad.

Plus, Namibia coach Phil Davies tells us about their preparations ahead of a very tough group that includes both New Zealand and South Africa!

Photo: New Zealand celebrate winning the 2015 Rugby World Cup (Getty Images)