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England and their Welsh counterparts have been drawn in the same pool for the World Cup in 2027, setting up a highly-anticipated early clash in Australia. They are joined in Group F by the Tongan Ikale Tahi and the Zimbabwean Sables.

This pairing mirrors their memorable meeting in the pool stages of the 2015 World Cup, where Wales' victory at England's home ground played a part in the hosts' surprise group stage elimination.

Other Notable Group Pairings

The Irish alongside the Scots also share a group together, replicating the scenario from the 2023 edition. On that occasion, Ireland secured a convincing victory, with Scotland unable to advance to the quarter-finals.

Uruguay and Os Lobos, who each made a strong impression as underdogs in France, complete that Pool D.

Significantly, the victors of both Pool D and Pool F cannot meet holders and top-ranked the Springboks until the showpiece match, presuming the Springboks win their own group.

Knockout Implications

If the groups conclude according to the current global standings, further leading contenders like New Zealand and France would also be kept apart from both the English and Ireland all the way to the final.

In that scenario, Los Pumas would be the other top-ranked nation on the same half of the elimination bracket as England and Ireland.

Tournament Hosts Draw Blockbuster Fixture

Tournament hosts Australia have been drawn together with their trans-Tasman rivals and three-time winners New Zealand in Group A.

Australia will open the tournament 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 the Azzurri, Georgia and Romania. France are grouped with Japan, 2031 hosts the United States and Manu Samoa.

Larger Format for 2027

Los Pumas will take on Fiji, Los Leones and Canada as the World Cup grows to 24 teams from the 20 who took part in 2023.

This edition will feature a last-16 stage for the very first time in the competition's history.

While the victor of Pool F may be kept apart from some of the game's biggest beasts initially, they will meet the runner-up from Group B – most likely Italy – in the last 16.

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

RWC 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