Overview

• World Rugby confirmed the draw will be held in Australia on December 3, 2025, with all 24 qualifiers present for the first time.
• Australia 2027 runs from October 1 to November 13 across seven cities, with six groups of four and a first‑ever round of 16 (top two plus four best thirds).
• The draw will air live on Channel Nine in Australia, on international partners and on RugbyPass TV, with initial ticket phases planned for early 2026.
• Twenty‑three teams have qualified; the final berth will be decided at a Dubai tournament from November 8–18, 2026 featuring Samoa, Belgium, Namibia and a South American side from a Brazil–Paraguay playoff.
• Argentina, already qualified and out of Rugby Championship contention after a 67–30 loss in Durban, host South Africa at Twickenham with seven starting changes as Gonzalo García (concussion) and Tomás Albornoz (hamstring) miss out, and Julián Montoya set for a record 52nd test as captain.