he twelve automatic qualifiers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup remain the same as those from the previous tournament. In other words, the three teams that secured first, second, and third place in the 2019 event in Japan have repeated their success in France in 2023.
From Group A, France, New Zealand, and Italy have secured their spots in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
In Pool B, the qualified teams are Ireland, South Africa, and Scotland. Pool C’s representatives are Wales, Fiji, and Australia, while Pool D has England, Argentina, and Japan as its qualified teams.
Rugby World Cup 2027 is on the verge of expanding from twenty to twenty-four teams. This expansion will result in the creation of two additional pools, meaning teams will compete in six pools of four. For the first time in Rugby World Cup history, a round-of-16 stage will be introduced.
The expansion is expected to benefit the Americas, as more slots are likely to be allocated to this region. In the qualifiers for the 2023 tournament in France, neither the champions of North America nor South America managed to secure qualification.
Instead, subsequent regional qualifiers took place. It’s worth noting that this model was not universally applied, as Namibia qualified as Africa 1 by facing African opposition exclusively.
England set to play Wales at expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup
Rugby World Cup 2027 is set to be hosted in Australia, marking the eleventh edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup and the third time it will take place in Australia. The country previously co-hosted the inaugural Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 1987 and served as the sole host in 2003.
With the current World Rankings in mind, let’s delve into how the 2027 Rugby World Cup will shape up via Rugby Centre.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw (Current rankings)
POOL A
- South Africa
- Argentina
- Samoa
- Spain
POOL B
- Ireland
- Australia
- Georgia
- Romania
