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England together with their Welsh counterparts find themselves placed in the same group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, setting up a major early encounter in the tournament Down Under. They are joined in Pool F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing recalls their infamous meeting in the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup, where a Welsh win at Twickenham contributed to the hosts' surprise early exit.

Other Notable Pool Draws

The Irish alongside the Scots have likewise been drawn in a pool together, just as the scenario from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, Ireland claimed a 36-14 win, with Scotland failing to advance to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Portugal, who each made a strong impression as underdogs in France, complete that Pool D.

Notably, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet defending champions and world number one the Springboks before the final, presuming the Springboks win their own group.

Knockout Implications

If the groups conclude in line with the current global standings, other leading contenders like the All Blacks and France would also be kept apart from the likes of England and Ireland all the way to the championship decider.

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

Tournament Hosts Draw Blockbuster Fixture

Tournament hosts Australia have been drawn together with their trans-Tasman rivals and triple champions the All Blacks in Pool A.

Australia will open the tournament in Perth on 1 October 2027 in a marquee fixture aimed at launch the event.

Elsewhere, holders South Africa have been paired with Italy, Georgia and Romania. The French team are grouped with Japan, future hosts the USA and Manu Samoa.

Larger Tournament for 2027

Argentina will face Fiji, Los Leones and the Canadian team as the tournament grows to 24 teams from the 20 who competed in 2023.

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

Although the victor of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the rugby's biggest beasts early on, they will have to face the runner-up from Group B – probably the Italians – in the last 16.

Four of the remaining six pool 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