By STEFFAN THOMAS

FORMER England coach Brian Ashton insists next year’s Rugby World Cup in France is the best chance a Northern Hemisphere nation has had of lifting the Webb-Ellis trophy since 2003.
The balance of power seems to be shifting somewhat when it comes to international rugby with both Ireland and France beating New Zealand in the autumn, while England saw off world champions South Africa.
Ashton believes that trio of France, Ireland and England are serious contenders to win the 2023 World Cup in France.
“I don’t think the gap between the Southern Hemisph...