The English side together with their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in the same group for the World Cup in 2027, promising a highly-anticipated early clash in Australia. They are joined in Pool F by Tonga and Zimbabwe.
This draw mirrors their memorable meeting in the group phase of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at Twickenham contributed to the English team's surprise early exit.
Key Group Pairings
Ireland alongside the Scots also share a group together, replicating the situation from the 2023 edition. In that tournament, Ireland secured a convincing win, with Scotland unable to progress to the knockout stages.
Los Teros and Os Lobos, who each made a strong impression as surprise packages in France, complete that Pool D.
Notably, the winners of these two groups are kept apart from holders and top-ranked South Africa until the final, assuming the Springboks top their own group.
Knockout Ramifications
Should the pools play out in line with the current global standings, further leading contenders like New Zealand and France would remain separated from both the English and Ireland until the final.
Under those circumstances, Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on the same side of the knockout draw as England and Ireland.
Hosts Face Major Fixture
Tournament hosts the Wallabies find themselves alongside their great rivals and triple champions the All Blacks in Group A.
The Wallabies will kick off the World Cup in Perth on October 1st, 2027 in a marquee fixture aimed at launch the competition.
In other groups, holders South Africa have drawn Italy, the Lelos and the Oaks. The French team are grouped with Japan, 2031 hosts the United States and Samoa.
Larger Tournament for 2027
Argentina will take on the Flying Fijians, Spain and Canada as the tournament expands to 24 teams from the 20 who competed in France.
The 2027 tournament will feature a round of 16 stage for the very first time in the competition's existence.
Although the victor of Pool F may avoid some of the game's heavyweights initially, they will meet the runner-up from Pool B – most likely Italy – in the last 16.
A total of four of the remaining six pool 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
