The Grand Slam-winning Irish Women's team have been drawn in the same pool as defending champions New Zealand for next year's World Cup.

Kazakhstan and USA make up the rest of Pool B for the tournament which takes place in France in August of next year.

New Zealand are the reigning champions, having beaten England in the 2010 final.

Ireland were beaten 40 - 3 by USA in the ranking finals stage of that tournament. USA also won the inaugural tournament in 1991.

Ireland have never reached the last four in any of the six previous editions of the Rugby World Cup.

©INPHO/Dan Sheridan