2027 Rugby World Cup Draw - Pools are drawn on 3 December 2025
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup will take place on December 3, 2025, in Australia. The tournament expands to feature 24 teams, structured into six groups of four. This expansion introduces the first-ever round of 16, with the top two from each group and the four best third-place finishers progressing. The draw uses the Rugby World Rankings from November 2025, with teams categorized into four bands. While South Africa currently stands as a favorite, competitive squads like New Zealand, Ireland, and others are strong contenders. Underdogs like Spain, Portugal, and Zimbabwe are also poised to bring excitement.
- 2027 Rugby World Cup features 24 teams, first-ever Round of 16.
- Draw based on November 2025 Rugby World Rankings, four bands of six teams.
- Underdogs Spain, Portugal, and Zimbabwe set to add excitement.
Rugby World Cup draw takes place on 3 December 2025 (Getty Images)
The 2027 Rugby World Cup draw will take place at 11:00 AM (SAST) and 09:00 AM (GMT) on 3 December 2025. The draw will be held in Australia, the host country for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
For the first time ever, the Rugby World Cup will have 24 participating teams compared to the usual 20. While the tournament has usually had four pools of five teams each with the top two qualifying for the quarterfinals, this time around there will be six groups of four.
That is not the only change to the World Cup. The increase in teams also ensures that there will be a round of 16 for the first time ever. The top two from each group will automatically progress to the round of 16 and then the four best third place finishers.
The draw will take place based on the Rugby World Rankings as of the end of the November 2025 international matches. There will be four bands of teams, each band consisting of six teams. Each pool at the World Cup will have a team from each band.
Below are the bands:
| Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 | Band 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Australia | Georgia | Samoa |
| New Zealand | Fiji | Uruguay | Portugal |
| England | Scotland | Spain | Romania |
| Ireland | Italy | USA | Hong Kong |
| France | Wales | Chile | Zimbabwe |
| Argentina | Japan | Tonga | Canada |
This format basically kills any chance of what we had at the 2023 Rugby World Cup where five of the top seven were on the same side of the draw. That also had to do with them doing the draw three years before the tournament.
The only guarantee before the draw is that Australia, who will play the opening game of the 2027 Rugby World Cup on 1 October 2027, will be in Pool A. Because of their poor results, they are in Band 2, which means one of the top six teams will face the Wallabies in Pool A. That is likely to be the closest we get to a 'Pool of Death'.
In compliance with player safety, no team will play more than the usual games at the Rugby World Cup. To win win/lose in the final, you will still play the usual seven matches. However, the tournament matches have increased from 48 to 54 with at least five-day turnarounds between group games.
In order to explain who plays who in the round of 16, we thought it best to use an image from the Rugby World Cup, rather than try explaining it in words.
All eyes will be on Sydney come Wednesday morning (in South Africa and Europe) to see where the Springboks will be drawn. Most top teams would probably prefer to miss Pool A where Australia will be found, but one is guaranteed to find themselves there.
Who to Look Out For
Currently, South Africa are favourites, but international rugby is very competitive at the moment. Right now, any of South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, England, France or Argentina can probably win it, however, come 1 October 2027, much can change from the chasing pack.
But, as with any World Cup in any sport, it is not just about the big boys, often it is the minnows that bring the most excitement.
Spain return to the World Cup after being booted from the 2023 event after fielding an ineligible player during qualifying. They have been playing some really good rugby and could stir a few nerves among top sides.
Portugal return to the World Cup for the third time. In 2023, they certainly caught the eye of many fans. They were very competitive against both Wales and Australia while they drew against Georgia and defeated Fiji - the same Fijian side that beat Australia.
Georgia and Japan are already known entities, and no tier one nation will take them lightly. However, Zimbabwe, who return to the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991, is sure to bring some excitement. They, along with Chile, might be the most exciting prospects.
Uruguay and Romania are regulars at the World Cup and while they've hardly been in the best of form, will be building towards the World Cup with intent of making the second round.
Hong Kong China is a very unknown entity. It should be interesting to see what they bring to the table in Australia.
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