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The English side and Wales have been drawn in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a highly-anticipated pool stage clash in Australia. They are joined in Group F by Tonga and Zimbabwe.

This pairing recalls their memorable meeting in the pool stages of the 2015 tournament, where a Welsh win at England's home ground contributed to the English team's surprise group stage elimination.

Other Notable Pool Pairings

Ireland and the Scots have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, replicating the situation from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, they claimed a 36-14 win, with their opponents unable to progress to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, who each made a strong impression as surprise packages in France, round out that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and top-ranked the Springboks before the final, presuming the Springboks win their own group.

Knockout Ramifications

If the groups play out according to the current global standings, further top favourites like New Zealand and Les Bleus would remain separated from the likes of England and Ireland until the final.

Under those circumstances, Argentina would be the remaining highly-seeded nation on that side of the elimination bracket as those northern hemisphere teams.

Hosts Face Blockbuster Opener

Hosts Australia find themselves together with their great rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Group A.

The Wallabies will kick off the tournament in Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a marquee match designed to launch the competition.

Elsewhere, holders the Springboks have been paired with Italy, Georgia and Romania. France are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the United States and Manu Samoa.

Expanded Tournament for 2027

Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and Canada as the tournament expands to 24 teams from the twenty who took part in France.

This edition will introduce a last-16 round for the very first time in Rugby World Cup history.

Although the victor of England and Wales's group may avoid some of the rugby's heavyweights early on, they will meet the second-placed team from Group B – probably Italy – in the first knockout round.

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

RWC 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