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The English side together with Wales will face off in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a major early clash in Australia. Completing the group in Group F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This draw recalls their memorable meeting in the group phase of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at Twickenham played a part in the hosts' shock early exit.

Key Pool Pairings

Ireland and the Scots have likewise been drawn in a group once again, just as the situation from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, they claimed a 36-14 victory, with Scotland failing to progress to the knockout stages.

Los Teros and Portugal, who each impressed as underdogs in the last World Cup, complete that same group.

Significantly, the victors of these two groups are kept apart from holders and world number one the Springboks before the final, assuming the South Africans top their assigned pool.

Tournament Ramifications

If the groups play out in line with the current global standings, other top favourites like the All Blacks and France would remain separated from the likes of the English and the Irish all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on that side of the elimination bracket as those northern hemisphere teams.

Hosts Draw Major Opener

Tournament hosts Australia have been drawn alongside their great rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Pool A.

The Wallabies will open the World Cup in the city of Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee match designed to launch the event.

Elsewhere, holders South Africa have drawn the Azzurri, the Lelos and Romania. The French team are grouped with Japan, future hosts the USA and Samoa.

Larger Tournament for 2027

Argentina will face Fiji, Los Leones and Canada as the tournament expands to 24 teams from the 20 who took part in 2023.

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

Although the victor of Pool F may avoid some of the game's biggest beasts early on, they will have to face the second-placed team from Group B – probably Italy – in the first knockout round.

A total of four of the remaining six pool winners will face a third-placed side from the initial group phase.

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