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The English side together with Wales find themselves placed in an identical pool for the 2027 RWC, setting up a highly-anticipated early clash in Australia. Completing the group in Pool F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This draw echoes their infamous meeting in the pool stages of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at Twickenham contributed to the hosts' surprise early exit.

Key Group Draws

Ireland and Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool together, replicating the situation from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, they secured a convincing win, with their opponents unable to progress to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, both impressed as underdogs in France, round out that same group.

Notably, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and world number one South Africa until the showpiece match, presuming the Springboks win their assigned pool.

Knockout Ramifications

Should the pools conclude in line with the current global standings, other leading contenders like New Zealand and France would remain separated from the likes of England and the Irish all the way to the final.

Under those circumstances, Los Pumas would be the other top-ranked nation on the same half of the knockout draw as those northern hemisphere teams.

Tournament Hosts Draw Major Opener

Hosts Australia find themselves alongside their great rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Pool A.

The Wallabies will open the tournament in the city of Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee match aimed at launch the event.

Elsewhere, reigning champions the Springboks have been paired with the Azzurri, Georgia and the Oaks. The French team are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the United States and Samoa.

Expanded Format for 2027

Argentina will take on Fiji, Los Leones and the Canadian team as the World Cup grows to twenty-four nations from the 20 who took part in France.

The 2027 tournament will introduce a last-16 stage for the first time in Rugby World Cup history.

Although the victor of Pool F may be kept apart from some of the game's heavyweights initially, they will have to face the second-placed team from Pool B – most likely Italy – in the first knockout round.

Four of the remaining six pool winners will play a team that finished third from the pool stages.

RWC 2027 Groups

Pool A

• New Zealand
• Australia
• Chile
• Hong Kong

Pool B

• South Africa
• Italy
• Georgia
• Romania

Pool C

• Argentina
• Fiji
• Spain
• Canada

Pool D

• Ireland
• Scotland
• Uruguay
• Portugal

Pool E

• France
• Japan
• USA
• Samoa

Pool F

• England
• Wales
• Tonga
• Zimbabwe