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The English side together with Wales have been drawn in an identical pool for the World Cup in 2027, promising a major early clash in the tournament Down Under. They are joined in Pool F by Tonga and Zimbabwe.

This pairing echoes their memorable meeting in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at England's home ground contributed to the English team's surprise group stage elimination.

Key Group Pairings

The Irish alongside Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, replicating the scenario from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, they secured a 36-14 victory, with Scotland failing to progress to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, who each impressed as underdogs in France, round out that Pool D.

Significantly, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from defending champions and top-ranked South Africa before the showpiece match, presuming the Springboks top their own group.

Tournament Implications

Should the pools play out according to the current global standings, other top favourites like New Zealand and France would also be kept apart from the likes of the English and Ireland all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the remaining top-ranked nation on the same half of the knockout draw as England and Ireland.

Hosts Draw Blockbuster Fixture

Hosts Australia find themselves alongside their great rivals and triple champions the All Blacks in Group A.

Australia will open the tournament in the city of Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a blockbuster match designed to jump-start the event.

Elsewhere, holders the Springboks have been paired with the Azzurri, Georgia and the Oaks. France are grouped with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the USA and Samoa.

Expanded Tournament for 2027

Los Pumas will face Fiji, Spain and the Canadian team as the World Cup expands to 24 teams from the twenty who competed in France.

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

Although the winner of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the rugby's biggest beasts initially, they will meet the runner-up from Pool B – probably the Italians – in the first knockout round.

A total of four of the other six group winners will play a third-placed side from the pool stages.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw

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