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The English side and their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a highly-anticipated early clash in Australia. Completing the group in Group F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This draw echoes their memorable meeting in the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at England's home ground played a part in the hosts' surprise early exit.

Key Group Pairings

The Irish alongside Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool together, just as the scenario from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, Ireland secured a convincing win, with Scotland unable to advance to the knockout stages.

Uruguay and Portugal, both impressed as surprise packages in France, complete that same group.

Notably, the winners of these two groups are kept apart from defending champions and top-ranked South Africa until the final, presuming the South Africans top their own group.

Knockout Ramifications

Should the groups conclude in line with the current world rankings, other top favourites like New Zealand and France would remain separated from the likes of the English and the Irish all the way to the final.

Under those circumstances, Los Pumas would be the remaining highly-seeded nation on that side of the knockout draw as England and Ireland.

Hosts Face Major Opener

Hosts Australia have been drawn alongside their great rivals and three-time winners New Zealand in Pool A.

The Wallabies will open the tournament in the city of Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a blockbuster match aimed at jump-start the event.

In other groups, reigning champions South Africa have been paired with Italy, Georgia and Romania. France are grouped with Japan, 2031 hosts the United States and Manu Samoa.

Larger Format for 2027

Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and the Canadian team as the tournament expands to 24 teams 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 Pool F may be kept apart from some of the rugby's heavyweights early on, they will meet the second-placed team from Group B – most likely Italy – in the last 16.

Four of the remaining six group winners will play 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