Ireland have been drawn alongside Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal in Pool D for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. This marks the third consecutive tournament where Ireland and Scotland will face each other in the pool stage.
If Ireland top their group, they will face a third-place finisher in the Round of 16, with Argentina a potential quarter-final opponent. Winning the pool would also keep them on the opposite side of the draw from defending champions South Africa and New Zealand.
However, finishing second in Pool D would likely set up a Round of 16 match against France. A repeat of the 2023 final between South Africa and New Zealand seems unlikely, as the Springboks and All Blacks are on course for a quarter-final meeting if they win their pools.
In Pool A, New Zealand are grouped with hosts Australia, Chile and debutants Hong Kong. South Africa face Italy, Georgia and Romania in Pool B. Argentina are expected to top Pool C, which includes Fiji, Spain and Canada.
France are in Pool E with Japan, USA and Samoa, while Pool F features England, Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe. The top two from each pool, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the Round of 16.
World Rugby will confirm the full fixtures schedule on Tuesday, 3 February.
