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The English side together with their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in an identical group for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, promising a major early clash in the tournament Down Under. They are joined in Group F by Tonga and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing recalls their infamous clash in the group phase of the 2015 tournament, where Wales' victory at Twickenham played a part in the hosts' surprise early exit.

Key Group Draws

Ireland and Scotland have likewise been drawn in a pool once again, replicating the scenario from the France 2023 tournament. In that tournament, Ireland claimed a 36-14 win, with Scotland unable to progress to the knockout stages.

Uruguay and Os Lobos, both impressed as underdogs in the last World Cup, complete that same group.

Notably, the winners of both Pool D and Pool F are kept apart from holders and world number one the Springboks before the showpiece match, assuming the Springboks win their assigned pool.

Tournament Implications

Should the pools conclude in line with the current global standings, further top favourites like the All Blacks and Les Bleus would remain separated from the likes of England and Ireland all the way to the final.

In that scenario, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on the same side of the knockout draw as those northern hemisphere teams.

Hosts Draw Blockbuster Fixture

Tournament hosts the Wallabies find themselves together with their trans-Tasman rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Group A.

The Wallabies will open the tournament in the city of Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a marquee match aimed at launch the event.

Elsewhere, holders South Africa have drawn Italy, Georgia and Romania. The French team are in a pool with the Brave Blossoms, future hosts the United States and Samoa.

Larger Tournament for 2027

Argentina will face the Flying Fijians, Spain and the Canadian team as the World Cup expands to 24 teams from the twenty who took part in 2023.

This edition will feature a last-16 stage for the first time in Rugby World Cup existence.

While the victor of England and Wales's group may be kept apart from some of the rugby's heavyweights initially, they will meet the runner-up from Group B – most likely Italy – in the first knockout round.

Four of the remaining six group winners will face a third-placed side from the initial group phase.

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