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The English side together with Wales will face off in the same group for the 2027 RWC, setting up a highly-anticipated early clash in Australia. They are joined in Pool F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing echoes their infamous meeting in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at Twickenham contributed to the hosts' shock early exit.

Other Notable Group Draws

Ireland and the Scots also share a group once again, replicating the scenario from the 2023 edition. In that tournament, they claimed a 36-14 win, with their opponents unable to advance to the knockout stages.

Los Teros and Portugal, both impressed as underdogs in the last World Cup, complete that Pool D.

Significantly, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and top-ranked the Springboks until the showpiece match, presuming the Springboks top their assigned pool.

Tournament Implications

If the groups conclude in line with the current global standings, other top favourites like New Zealand and France would also be kept apart from the likes of the English and the Irish all the way to the championship decider.

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

Hosts Draw Major Fixture

Hosts the Wallabies have been drawn alongside their trans-Tasman rivals and three-time winners New Zealand in Group A.

The Wallabies will kick off the tournament in Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee fixture designed to jump-start the competition.

Elsewhere, reigning champions South Africa have been paired with Italy, Georgia and Romania. France are in a pool with Japan, future hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Expanded Tournament for 2027

Los Pumas will take on Fiji, Spain and Canada as the tournament grows to 24 teams from the 20 who competed in 2023.

The 2027 tournament will feature a round of 16 round for the very first time in the competition's existence.

While the victor of England and Wales's group may avoid some of the rugby's heavyweights early on, they will have to face the second-placed team from Pool B – probably Italy – in the last 16.

Four of the other six group winners will face 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