Categories: ArgentinaAustraliaCanadaChileEnglandFranceJapanNorthern IrelandPortugalRepublic of IrelandRomaniaRugbyRugby UnionScotlandUruguayWales

Pools detemined for 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup

Photo: World Rugby

SYDNEY, NSW–The pools for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup were drawn on Wednesday in Sydney. The 11th Men’s Rugby World Cup will have a record 24 teams in six pools of four and the top two teams in each pool, plus the four best third place teams will advance to the knockout stage. The draw provided some potentially interesting setups when we get to the knockout stage.

In Pool A, the All Blacks of New Zealand and the Wallabies of Australia were drawn together along with Chile (in their second Men’s RWC) and Hong Kong China who are in the Men’s RWC for the very first time and are the competition’s only debutantes.

Pool B sees the two-time defending champion Springboks of South Africa heading a pool with Italy, Georgia, and Romania. The intrigue here is that the winner of Pool A would potentially get South Africa in the quarterfinals were they to finish top of Pool B. The runners-up in Pool A, assuming they get by the runners-up in Pool E, would possible get the winners of Pool E. Italy have never made the knockout stages, but the expansion of the tournament make that a more likely prospect in 2027.

In Pool C, Argentina are the seeded team and they will be with Fiji, Spain, and Canada. Canada missed out for the first time four years ago, but are making their return in 2027. Fiji reached the quarters in 2023 and will be looking for a return trip in two years’ time. Spain are in their first RWC since 1999.

Pool B sees Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, and Portugal. Portugal are making their third appearance at the Men’s RWC while Ireland are looking to finally progress beyond the quarterfinals. Should they win the pool and their Round of 16 match, it could set up a quarterfinal with the Pumas of Argentina.

France, Japan, USA, and Samoa make up Pool E. The USA are back after missing out in 2023. Samoa were the last team to qualify for the RWC after winning the last chance tournament. They have been in every tournament since 1991. Japan are looking to close the gap between themselves and the Tier 1 powers and have sprung upsets in the past over South Africa and Ireland.

Finally, we have Pool F and England and Wales are drawn together along with Tonga and Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe are in the RWC for the first time since 1991. Tonga has not made it out of the pool stage in nine attempts. England lifted the trophy the last time the competition was held in Australia in 2003.

The Men’s Rugby World Cup will start in Perth on October 1st, 2027, and the final will be at Sydney’s Stadium Australia on November 13th. Adelaide, Melbourne, Newcastle, Brisbane, and Townsville will also host World Cup matches.