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The English side and their Welsh counterparts will face off in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, promising a highly-anticipated pool stage clash in the tournament Down Under. Completing the group in Pool F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and Zimbabwe.

This draw mirrors their infamous clash in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where a Welsh win at England's home ground played a part in the hosts' surprise early exit.

Key Pool Pairings

Ireland and Scotland also share a pool together, just as the scenario from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, they secured a 36-14 win, with their opponents unable to progress to the knockout stages.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, who each impressed as surprise packages in the last World Cup, complete that same group.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from holders and top-ranked South Africa before the final, assuming the South Africans win their assigned pool.

Knockout Implications

Should the groups conclude in line with the current global standings, other leading contenders like the All Blacks and France would remain separated from the likes of England and Ireland until the final.

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

Hosts Face Blockbuster Opener

Tournament hosts Australia have been drawn together with their great rivals and three-time winners New Zealand in Group A.

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

Elsewhere, reigning champions South Africa have been paired with the Azzurri, the Lelos and the Oaks. France are grouped with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Expanded Tournament for 2027

Argentina will take on Fiji, 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 Rugby World Cup existence.

Although the winner of England and Wales's group may avoid some of the rugby's heavyweights early on, they will meet the runner-up from Group B – probably Italy – in the last 16.

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

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