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The English side together with Wales have been drawn in an identical pool for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, promising a highly-anticipated early clash in the tournament Down Under. Completing the group in Pool F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This draw mirrors their infamous clash in the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at Twickenham played a part in the hosts' surprise early exit.

Key Pool Pairings

Ireland and Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, just as the situation from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, they claimed a 36-14 win, with Scotland unable to advance to the knockout stages.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, both made a strong impression as surprise packages in the last World Cup, complete that same group.

Notably, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from holders and world number one the Springboks before the showpiece match, assuming the Springboks win their assigned pool.

Tournament Implications

If the groups conclude according to the current global standings, other top favourites like New Zealand and Les Bleus would remain separated from both England and Ireland until the championship decider.

Under those circumstances, Los Pumas would be the remaining highly-seeded nation on the same side of the elimination bracket as England and Ireland.

Hosts Face Major Opener

Hosts the Wallabies have been drawn alongside their great rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Group A.

Australia will open the World Cup in Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee match aimed at launch the event.

Elsewhere, holders the Springboks have drawn Italy, Georgia and the Oaks. France are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Larger Tournament for 2027

Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Spain and Canada as the tournament grows to 24 teams from the twenty who competed in 2023.

This edition will feature a last-16 stage for the first time in the competition's existence.

While the victor of Pool F may avoid some of the rugby's biggest beasts initially, they will meet the second-placed team from Pool B – probably the Italians – in the first knockout round.

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

Rugby World Cup 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