Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has declared his side have "unfinished business" with Ireland after the draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup pitted the Celtic rivals together for a third tournament in succession.
Familiar Foes and Pool Stage Challenge
The Scots, who have slipped to ninth in the world rankings, were drawn from Pot D during the ceremony in Australia, placing them in a group with top seeds Ireland, as well as Portugal and Uruguay. The tournament, which expands to 24 teams, will kick off in October 2027.
This marks the third World Cup in a row where Scotland and Ireland will meet in the pool stages, with the Irish having emerged victorious in both 2019 and 2023. Scotland have not beaten Ireland since Townsend took the coaching reins in 2017.
The fixture is likely to be decisive in determining who tops the group, a result with significant implications for the knockout stages. Finishing first could mean avoiding a potential round of 16 clash with the formidable French side.
Townsend Acknowledges Need for Improvement
Reflecting on the previous two World Cup defeats to Ireland, Townsend conceded his team must raise their performance levels to finally overcome their bogey team. "Yes, I think that there always is [a point to prove] with Ireland," he stated.
"Obviously both games were disappointing in that we didn’t play close to our best rugby," Townsend admitted. "Ireland were the leading team in the world going into the Japan World Cup and then last time they were up there in the top two or three. It’s disappointing we weren’t able to put our best performance out."
He highlighted the intense pressure of the past encounters, which felt like knockout matches, but suggested the new tournament format with a round of 16 might reduce that immediate jeopardy. "Whether that frees up the players more, who knows," he mused. "We know we have to be better than we were in the last two World Cups against Ireland."
Planning and the Tartan Army's Role
Practical planning for the tournament will accelerate after match schedules and venues are confirmed on February 3rd, with a reconnaissance trip to Australia planned for April. Townsend also revealed he exchanged messages with Scotland's football manager, Steve Clarke, after the soccer team qualified for their 2026 World Cup.
He expressed hope that a travelling Tartan Army would provide crucial support in Australia, recalling the strong backing during the 2003 World Cup, which he attended as a player. "I’m really hoping that our people are saving up and getting out there for two years’ time," Townsend said.
With a wry nod to the sea of green in Paris last year, he added: "It’ll be brilliant to have more Scots at that Irish game than there were in Paris that night - the Irish seemed to get all the tickets!"
Before the World Cup showdown, Scotland will have two more opportunities to test themselves against Ireland in the upcoming Six Nations championships, offering vital preparation for the main event down under.
