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England together with their Welsh counterparts will face off in the same pool for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a highly-anticipated pool stage clash in Australia. They are joined in Pool F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This draw echoes their infamous meeting in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at England's home ground played a part in the English team's shock early exit.

Key Pool Draws

Ireland alongside Scotland also share a pool together, just as the situation from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, Ireland claimed a convincing win, with Scotland failing to progress to the knockout stages.

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

Significantly, the winners of these two groups cannot meet holders and top-ranked the Springboks before the showpiece match, assuming the South Africans top their own group.

Tournament Ramifications

If the groups conclude according to the current global standings, further top favourites like New Zealand and Les Bleus would also be kept apart from the likes of England and the Irish until the championship decider.

Under those circumstances, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on that half of the elimination bracket as England and Ireland.

Hosts Draw Major Opener

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

The Wallabies will kick off the World Cup in the city of Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a marquee match designed to jump-start the competition.

In other groups, holders South Africa have been paired with the Azzurri, Georgia and Romania. France are grouped with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the USA and Samoa.

Expanded Format for 2027

Los Pumas will take on Fiji, Spain and Canada as the tournament grows to twenty-four nations from the 20 who took part in France.

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

While the victor of England and Wales's group may avoid some of the game's heavyweights early on, they will meet the runner-up from Pool B – most likely Italy – in the first knockout round.

Four of the other six group winners will face a third-placed side from the initial group phase.

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