Overview
- World Rugby completed the official draw in Sydney, confirming six pools for the expanded 24‑team tournament in Australia.
- Pool A features New Zealand, hosts Australia, Chile and debutants Hong Kong China, marking Hong Kong’s first Rugby World Cup appearance.
- Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania, while Pool F groups England with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe.
- The event runs 1 October–13 November 2027 across seven cities including Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Newcastle, Townsville and Sydney.
- A new format introduces a Round of 16, with six pool winners, six runners-up and the four best third-placed teams advancing, and the bracket could produce a South Africa–New Zealand quarter-final if seeds hold.