The stage is set for the largest Rugby World Cup in history as the draw for the 2027 tournament takes place in Sydney, Australia. All 24 qualified nations will discover their pool stage opponents for the expanded event, which heads Down Under for the first time since England's iconic triumph in 2003.
A New Format for a Bigger Tournament
The 2027 edition has been increased by four teams, necessitating a revamped competition structure. The tournament will feature six pools of four sides, with a round of 16 introduced for the first time. This expansion means some third-placed teams will progress to the knockout stages, making a favourable draw potentially crucial for a nation's hopes of a deep run in two years' time.
The qualified nations have been divided into four bands of six, based on the World Rugby rankings at the end of the November international window. Band one contains the top seeds: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, and Argentina. Hosts Australia find themselves in band two alongside Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, and Japan.
Potential Paths for Home Nations
As band one sides, England and Ireland will be hoping to avoid the toughest opponents from the lower bands. Analysts suggest a worst-case scenario for either could see them drawn with Australia, Georgia, and Samoa. A more favourable draw might pair them with Japan, Tonga, and Canada.
For Wales and Scotland, positioned in band two, the challenge is steeper. Their most difficult potential group could include reigning champions South Africa, Georgia, and Samoa. Their ideal scenario might feature Argentina, Tonga, and Canada.
The draw ceremony begins at 9am GMT on Wednesday 3 December 2025. The event will be fronted by former Wallaby Morgan Turinui, with a host of rugby legends including Dan Carter and James Slipper acting as draw presenters.
Tournament Details and Build-Up
The 2027 World Cup will be played across seven host cities in Australia: Townsville, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Sydney. South Africa enter as firm favourites with bookmakers, priced at 9/4 to secure an unprecedented third consecutive title. New Zealand (10/3), France (9/2), and England (5/1) are considered their closest challengers.
The draw occurs against a backdrop of dramatic pre-tournament news. South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth is facing a lengthy ban after being sent off for an eye gouge in his side's record 73-0 win over Wales. Meanwhile, Argentina have lodged an official complaint against England's Tom Curry, accusing him of shoving coach Felipe Contepomi in a tunnel altercation following their recent match.
In financial news, the Rugby Football Union has reported a significant recovery, with revenue of £228m for 2024/25 helping to offset the record losses of the previous year.
All eyes now turn to Sydney, where the roadmap to the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be laid out, determining which nations face a clear path and which are handed a Herculean task from the very start.
