Meet Ireland's Rugby World Cup opponents

Romania return to the Rugby World Cup after missing out four years ago due to a disqualification that ruined their 100% attendance record since the global tournament was first played in 1987.

The Oaks were guilty of fielding Sione Faka'osilea in the qualifiers when he had already played for Tonga and had their hopes of appearing in Japan quashed.

However, a similar incident saw them qualify for France 2023. Having initially finished third in the European qualifier table behind Georgia and Spain it looked like they would be headed for the playoffs, only for Span to be docked points for selecting an ineligible player, and Romania - with former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson at the helm - got bumped up into the automatic qualification spots.

Their task at the World Cup is daunting opening their Pool A campaign against Ireland before facing world champions South Africa, in-form Scotland and physically imposing Tonga.

Robinson unexpectedly quit in December, citing poor results "on and off the field", and amid rumours of friction with senior members of the squad.

"I feel that I have taken the Romanian team as far as I can and that it is the right time for a Romanian coach to take over the team," Robinson said.

He was replaced ex-Romania international Eugen Apjok, who must make the tier two side battle ready to at least show their progression.

He has roped in New Zealand-born coach Vern Cotter, who has led both Scotland and Fiji, as a consultant to add experience to their technical team.

Cotter (above) will coach the Auckland Blues in Super Rugby next year.

"I have been overseeing their preparation since this year's Rugby Europe Championship and I will be involved as an advisor for the World Cup, hoping the Oaks will evolve,