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England together with Wales have been drawn in an identical group for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a major early encounter in Australia. They are joined in Group F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and Zimbabwe.

This draw echoes their memorable meeting in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where a Welsh win at England's home ground played a part in the English team's surprise early exit.

Key Group Pairings

The Irish alongside Scotland have likewise been drawn in a group once again, just as the situation from the France 2023 tournament. On that occasion, they secured a convincing win, with Scotland failing to progress to the quarter-finals.

Los Teros and Os Lobos, who each made a strong impression as underdogs in France, round out that same group.

Notably, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet defending champions and top-ranked South Africa until the showpiece match, assuming the South Africans top their assigned pool.

Knockout Implications

If the groups play out in line with the current global standings, other leading contenders like New Zealand and Les Bleus would also be kept apart from the likes of England and the Irish all the way to the final.

Under those circumstances, Argentina would be the remaining top-ranked nation on the same side of the elimination bracket as England and Ireland.

Tournament Hosts Face Blockbuster Fixture

Tournament hosts the Wallabies have been drawn alongside their great rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Group A.

The Wallabies will kick off the World Cup in the city of Perth on 1 October 2027 in a blockbuster match designed to launch the event.

In other groups, holders the Springboks have drawn Italy, the Lelos and the Oaks. The French team are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the United States and Manu Samoa.

Expanded Format for 2027

Los Pumas will face the Flying Fijians, Los Leones and the Canadian team as the World Cup expands to 24 teams from the 20 who took part in France.

The 2027 tournament will introduce a last-16 round for the very first time in the competition's existence.

Although the winner of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the rugby's biggest beasts initially, they will meet the second-placed team from Group B – probably Italy – in the last 16.

Four of the other six pool winners will play a team that finished third from the pool stages.

Rugby World Cup 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