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England together with Wales find themselves placed in the same group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, promising a major pool stage encounter in Australia. Completing the group in Pool F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing recalls their famous clash in the group phase of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at England's home ground contributed to the hosts' shock group stage elimination.

Key Group Pairings

Ireland and Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool together, replicating the scenario from the 2023 edition. In that tournament, Ireland claimed a 36-14 victory, with their opponents failing to progress to the knockout stages.

Uruguay and Os Lobos, both impressed as surprise packages in the last World Cup, complete that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from defending champions and top-ranked the Springboks until the showpiece match, assuming the Springboks win their own group.

Knockout Ramifications

If the groups play out according to the current global standings, other leading contenders like New Zealand and France would also be kept apart from the likes of England and the Irish all the way to the championship decider.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on that side of the elimination bracket as England and Ireland.

Tournament Hosts Face Blockbuster Fixture

Hosts Australia have been drawn alongside their trans-Tasman rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Group A.

The Wallabies will kick off the tournament in Perth on 1 October 2027 in a blockbuster fixture designed to launch the event.

In other groups, holders the Springboks have drawn the Azzurri, Georgia and the Oaks. France are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, 2031 hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Larger Tournament for 2027

Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and Canada as the World Cup grows to twenty-four nations from the 20 who competed in France.

This edition will introduce a round of 16 stage for the first time in the competition's existence.

While the winner of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the game's heavyweights early on, they will meet the second-placed team from Group B – probably the Italians – in the first knockout round.

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

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