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The English side and their Welsh counterparts find themselves placed in an identical pool for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, promising a major pool stage clash in Australia. They are joined in Group F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing mirrors their infamous clash in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at Twickenham played a part in the English team's shock early exit.

Other Notable Group Draws

Ireland and the Scots have likewise been drawn in a group together, replicating the scenario from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, Ireland secured a 36-14 win, with their opponents unable to progress to the quarter-finals.

Uruguay and Os Lobos, who each made a strong impression as surprise packages in France, round out that same group.

Significantly, the winners of these two groups cannot meet holders and top-ranked the Springboks before the final, presuming the Springboks win their own group.

Tournament Ramifications

If the pools conclude in line with the current global standings, further leading contenders like New Zealand and France would remain separated from the likes of England and Ireland all the way to the final.

Under those circumstances, Los Pumas would be the remaining top-ranked nation on that half of the elimination bracket as those northern hemisphere teams.

Tournament Hosts Face Blockbuster Fixture

Tournament hosts the Wallabies find themselves together with their great rivals and triple champions New Zealand in Pool A.

The Wallabies will kick off the World Cup in the city of Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a marquee match aimed at launch the event.

Elsewhere, holders the Springboks have been paired with Italy, the Lelos and the Oaks. The French team are grouped with Japan, 2031 hosts the USA and Samoa.

Expanded Format for 2027

Los Pumas will face Fiji, Spain and Canada as the tournament expands to 24 teams from the 20 who took part in France.

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

Although the winner of England and Wales's group may avoid some of the rugby's biggest beasts initially, they will have to face the runner-up from Pool B – most likely Italy – in the last 16.

Four of the other six group winners will play 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