France land a kind draw… Here are the pools for the 2027 Rugby World Cup

France and their opponents now know where they stand. Conducted by rugby giants Dan Carter and James Slipper, along with Olympic sevens champion Alicia Lucas, the draw for the 2027 World Cup delivered its verdict on Wednesday 3 December. A little under two years before the start of the tournament (1 October-13 November 2027).

In Pool A, the host nation, Australia, will take on Hong Kong China – who will play the first World Cup in their history -, Chile and above all New Zealand in a meeting that promises to be explosive and wide open.

In Pool B, the reigning double world champions of South Africa have been handed Italy, Georgia and Romania. A fairly straightforward pool for the Springboks, even if the battle for second place is a gripping one.

Easy for England, Scotland-Ireland showdown

In Pool C, Argentina, who were in band 1, will have to work hard against Fiji. Spain, for their second appearance, and Canada, back at a World Cup, are also in the mix.

In Pool D, Ireland and Scotland will meet again for a fine tussle. Behind them, Uruguay and Portugal will have a card to play in a very interesting pool.

In Pool E, France have landed a fairly kind draw. They will face Japan, the USA and the last side to qualify for this World Cup, Samoa. France have already played the Americans on two occasions at World Cups (2003, 2019), and the Japanese twice as well (2003, 2011), but they have never faced the Samoans in a match with something at stake.

Worth noting that Fabien Galthié’s players could therefore take on the runners-up in Pool D if they finish top (Scotland?) and face Wales or Fiji in the quarter-final.

Finally, in Pool F, England are the pool’s heavyweight. The English will face their neighbours Wales, who have struggled badly in recent years. Tonga and Zimbabwe, back at a World Cup, complete the pool.

As a reminder, this 11th edition has changed format. For a start, 24 countries instead of 20 and six pools of four teams (52 matches in all). Sixteen nations will qualify for the last 16, namely the top two in each pool and the four best third-placed sides. Those matches will be played in seven different Australian cities.