Overview

• Chile replaces Samoa as Italy’s opponent in Genoa on November 22 following Samoa’s request to stand down from the Autumn Nations Series.
• Samoa will contest the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai from November 8–18 against Belgium, Namibia and the Brazil or Paraguay winner.
• The change was agreed by the three unions and ratified by World Rugby, with Six Nations Rugby and Italy’s federation endorsing the move.
• Italy and Chile have never met in a Test, and the result carries ranking implications ahead of the December 3 World Cup pool draw.
• Italy sits 10th in the world (band two) and Chile 17th (band three), with Chile entering the fixture after beating Samoa 31–12 to qualify as the 23rd team for RWC 2027.