Rugby World Cup 2027: Pools Confirmed
December 8, 2025The countdown to The Rugby World Cup 2027 has begun as World Rugby has officially drawn the teams included in all six pools.
The Biggest Tournament In Rugby History Is On The Horizon!
The Rugby World Cup 2027 has taken centre stage as the pools for the first-ever 24-team tournament are officially revealed. With the draw completed in Sydney, the countdown to Australia’s showpiece is underway – and excitement is already sky-high!
Before diving into the new format and newly drawn pools, it’s impossible not to look back at what happened last time. The 2023 World Cup in France delivered one of the most dramatic tournaments ever, with South Africa securing back-to-back world titles after a run of nail-biting, single-point knockout wins. Ireland’s dream collapsed against New Zealand, hosts France fell heartbreakingly in the quarter-finals, and emerging nations captured hearts with brave, bold rugby. The bar was set incredibly high – and now 2027 aims to raise it again.
A New Era For The Rugby World Cup
Fresh format, more nations and a wider global spotlight
The 2027 tournament marks a bold new chapter for international rugby. Moving to a 24-team structure, the competition now features six pools of four teams, giving more nations the opportunity to participate on the sport’s biggest stage.
For developing rugby countries, this represents a transformational moment. For established rugby giants, it means a longer, trickier path to the knockout rounds. And for fans, it guarantees more matches, more storylines and more opportunities to enjoy world-class rugby.
One of the biggest changes is the introduction of the Round of 16. Instead of jumping straight from pool play to the quarter-finals, the top two teams from each pool plus the four best third-place finishers will progress. This shift ensures more knockout drama and keeps every pool-stage match meaningful right up until the final whistle.
All Six Pools Confirmed
Blockbusters, rivalries and fresh matchups across the board.
The draw delivered a brilliant mix of traditional heavyweight clashes and exciting new encounters that fans have never seen before at a World Cup.
Pool A
New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Hong Kong China
A huge pool headlined by the All Blacks and the Wallabies. Playing on home soil, Australia will feel the pressure, while Chile and Hong Kong China will relish the challenge of testing themselves against two of rugby’s biggest names.
Pool B
South Africa, Italy, Georgia and Romania
South Africa enter as favourites, but this is a pool stacked with physical teams who thrive on intensity. Georgia’s set-piece strength and Italy’s attacking evolution make this group far from predictable.
Pool C
Argentina, Fiji, Spain and Canada
A wonderfully dynamic pool. Fiji’s flair meets Argentina’s firepower, while Spain and Canada continue their rise back onto the world stage with nothing to lose and everything to play for.
Pool D
Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal
Celtic rivalry immediately takes centre stage, bringing a fierce edge to this pool. Uruguay and Portugal have won hearts in recent tournaments and will be eyeing upsets of their own.
Pool E
France, Japan, the USA and Samoa
A fascinating mix of styles. France brings power and precision, Japan bring speed, the USA bring ambition as they build toward hosting 2031, and Samoa bring passion and punch in equal measure.
Pool F
England, Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe
A classic England v Wales World Cup showdown headlines this pool. Tonga provide a massive physical test, while Zimbabwe return to the global stage in one of the most emotional storylines of the tournament.
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Biggest Games of the Pool Stage
Australia v New Zealand
The ultimate rivalry, one of the fiercest in rugby history. New Zealand lead the head-to-head record, but every clash with Australia is a war of momentum, pride, and skill. Past World Cups have delivered epic encounters, including the unforgettable 1991 semi-final when the All Blacks edged the Wallabies 16-6. Expect intensity, noise, and a high-stakes clash that sets the tone for the pool.
England v Wales
England will take on Wales in the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations. A huge precursor to their Rugby World Cup 2027 fixture!
A classic northern hemisphere rivalry with decades of history and bragging rights at stake. England leads the overall head-to-head, but Wales always brings unpredictability and passion. Past World Cups have seen dramatic showdowns, like England’s narrow 20-19 win in 2011, making this fixture as much about mental toughness as physical prowess.
Ireland v Scotland
The oldest rugby rivalry, dating back to 1877, has had countless thrilling encounters. Ireland has dominated recent Rugby World Cups (but has, unfortunately, fallen short), but Scotland’s flair and unpredictability mean nothing is guaranteed. Key past results include Ireland’s 28-24 pool win in 2015, a game that swung momentum and highlighted the rivalry’s intensity.
Argentina v Fiji
A relatively newer head-to-head but already full of explosive clashes. Argentina have the edge historically, but Fiji’s offloading brilliance and unpredictability always make for high-scoring, exhilarating matches. The 2007 World Cup quarter-final, where Argentina ran out 20-18 winners, showed how tight and thrilling these games can be.
France v Japan
A clash between European power and Pacific speed. France has generally dominated head-to-head, but Japan have delivered famous upsets, like their unforgettable 34-32 victory in 2019, one of the World Cup’s most iconic results. Every game promises a tactical battle with the potential for a shock.
South Africa v Italy
South Africa leads comfortably in the head-to-head, but Italy’s progress cannot be ignored. Past World Cups have seen the Springboks’ dominance, yet Italy’s growing skill set and tactical evolution suggest this match could be tighter than expected. Key games include the 2019 Rugby World Cup pool stage, where South Africa narrowly avoided an early scare.
These early clashes could shape not just the pools, but the entire knockout landscape.
What’s Coming Up in International Rugby?
The full schedule is nearly here for the 2027 Rugby World Cup!
While the pools have now been finalised, fans are eagerly awaiting the complete fixture list. This includes the exact match dates, venues, stadium allocations and kick-off times across Australia.
The full schedule will be released in early 2026, which will properly kick-start travel planning, ticket purchases and match-day plotting for fans around the world.
With a jam-packed tournament running from 1 October to 13 November 2027, expect an intense, wall-to-wall calendar of rugby that spans the length and breadth of Australia’s major cities.
What Does This Mean For The Fans?
More drama, more nations and more rugby than ever!
The expanded format ensures that Rugby World Cup 2027 will deliver more unpredictability, more emerging-nation breakthroughs and more headline moments. Rivalries like England v Wales, New Zealand v Australia and Ireland v Scotland bring instant fire, while the inclusion of teams like Zimbabwe, Spain and Hong Kong China gives the tournament a fresh sense of global growth.
It’s a Rugby World Cup designed for excitement. A tournament built for inclusivity. And an event set to define the next generation of the sport. With the pools now set, attention turns to the build-up – and there’s plenty of elite rugby to enjoy before the teams land in Australia.
The Rugby World Cup 2027 may be on the horizon, but the Guinness Men’s Six Nations is just around the corner!
The Rugby World Cup 2027 might feel a long way off, but the Guinness Men’s Six Nations is right around the corner – and there’s no better way to experience the road to Australia than in VIP style with Corinthian Sports. From world-class hospitality to electric rivalries on the pitch, elevate every moment as the journey to rugby’s biggest stage begins!
Not only is the Guinness Men’s Six Nations on the horizon for international rugby, but the build-up to The Rugby World Cup 2027 will also include:
There’s no better place to experience all of the action than in The Pegasus Lounge, which transforms any rugby fixture into an unforgettable premium experience! Guests indulge in a gourmet three-course meal, enjoy complimentary drinks all day – yes, even Guinness on tap – and take their seats just moments from the lounge in superb mid-tier positions. The day is made even more special with exclusive opportunities to meet rugby greats, including Corinthian Sports ambassadors like Ben Youngs, Toby Flood and more. It’s the ultimate combination of luxury, insight, and top-tier hospitality wrapped around a massive day of rugby.
Make your next rugby adventure unforgettable – Enquire today and experience it the Corinthian Sports way!
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