Rugby World Cup 2027 host Australia has received a tough path to glory with super power New Zealand drawn in their pool.
The Wallabies were relegated to Band 2 for the draw – after a recent winless tour of Europe – and copped arguably the toughest team in the tournament with the All Blacks in Pool A.
Pool F will also see rivals England and Wales square off in what promises to be a fiery contest.
Six pools of four teams were drawn out for the event – which will be played from October 1 – November 13 in 2027.
The Sporting News explains everything you need to know about the Rugby World Cup.
Rugby World Cup 2027 pools and nations
Pool A
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Chile
- Hong Kong China
Pool B
- South Africa
- Italy
- Georgia
- Romania
Pool C
Pool D
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Uruguay
- Portugal
Pool E
Pool F
- England
- Ireland
- Tonga
- Zimbabwe
Rugby World Cup 2027 matches
The match schedule will be announced on February 3, 2026.
Rugby World Cup 2027 format
Pool stage
- Win = 4 points
- Draw = 2 points
- Bonus point = Score 4 or more tries in a match
- Bonus point = Lose by less than 8 points
The six pool winners, six runners-up and four best third-placed teams progress to the knockout rounds.
Knockout stage
Starting with a round-of-16, there will be four single elimination rounds that will determine the winner of the Rugby World Cup.
There will also be a third-place playoff for the two semi-final losers.
