Category: Rugby World Cup

The pools have been drawn in Sydney for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 under the supervision of scrutineers from Binder Dijker Otte. Hosted by former Wallaby (Australian 15s player) & Australian Rugby 7s player, Morgan Turinui, the pool draw was presented by:

• Brett Robinson, current World Rugby Chair & former Wallaby – drew out the Band 1 pot
• James Slipper, former captain of & most capped player of the Wallabies – drew out the Band 2 pot
• Alicia Lucas, 2016 Olympic gold medallist representing Australia in women’s rugby 7s, now retired – drew out the Band 3 pot
• Dan Carter, 2-time World Cup-winning & former All Black (New Zealand player) including captain – drew out the Band 4 pot

Yeah, you know, it’s an absolute privilege to be here for the draw as a proud Australian & a rugby fanatic.

It’s exciting & I think this is the 1st step in the fans getting that appetite for what’s to come.

Alicia Lucas, Pool Draw Presenter & 2016 Olympic gold medallist representing Australia in women’s rugby 7s (now retired)

Australia was already declared to be drawn in Pool A as A2. The draw then went from the Band 4 pot to the Band 1 pot, with teams being drawn into Pool F first & Pool A last. The resulting pools are:

Pool A

• All Blacks (New Zealand)
• Wallabies (Australia)
• The Condors (Chile)
• Hong Kong, China

Fast Facts:

• Wallabies & All Blacks will meet for the 1st time at the RWC since the England 2015 final & for the 1st time ever in the pool stage. 
• The Wallabies will face a South American team for the 5th time in the RWC pool stage
• 2 of the All Blacks’ titles came after facing a South American team in the pool stage
• The Condors have never played against their Pool A opponents at a RWC before.

Pool B

• Springboks (South Africa)
• Italy
• The Lelos (Georgia)
• The Oaks (Romania)

(gasp)

People in the studio when South Africa was drawn into Pool B, meaning New Zealand would go into Pool A.

Fast Facts:

• The Springboks are drawn in Pool B & Italy will face an African opponent for the 3rd successive Men’s tournament
• The Springboks have always been in a Men’s tournament pool with at least 1 European nation
• 2027 is the 2nd Men’s tournament in a row the Springboks will face 3 European nations
• Italy are drawn in a RWC pool with The Lelos for the 1st time.
• The Oaks have never won against their pool B opponents at a RWC before

Pool C

• The Pumas (Argentina)
• The Flying Fijians
• The Lions (Spain)
• Canada

Oh, no

At least 1 person in the studio when Argentina was drawn into Pool C, leaving South Africa & New Zealand to go into either Pool A or B.

Fast Facts:

• Pool C has yielded the most winners (4)
• The 1st time ever The Lions will play any of their Pool C opponents at a RWC.
• The 1st time ever The Pumas will play against Canada or The Lions at the RWC.
• The 1st time since 1987 that The Pumas & The Flying Fijians have been drawn in a RWC pool together.
• The 1st time ever The Flying Fijians & Canada have played each other at a RWC since 2007

Pool D

• Ireland
• Scotland
• The Teros (Uruguay)
• The Wolves (Portugal)

Fast Facts:

• The only pool not to produce a champion to date.
• Ireland & Scotland are paired together for the 3rd Men’s tournament in a row & 4th Men’s tournament in total.
• The 1st time ever Ireland will face The Teros or The Wolves at the RWC.
• The 1st time Ireland will face a South American team in a RWC pool since 2007
• The Teros & The Wolves will meet for the 1st time at a RWC
• The Wolves have now been paired with at least 2 European teams in each of their 3 tournament appearances

Pool E

• France
• Sakura (Japan)
• Eagles (United States Of America)
• Manu Samoa

Fast Facts:

• France & Manu Samoa will play each other for the 1st time in the RWC pool stage.
• Sakura & Manu Samoa are drawn together for the 4th RWC tournament in a row.
• Sakura will play the Eagles in a RWC match in Australia for the 3rd time ever.

Pool F

• England
• Wales
• The Sea Eagles (Tonga)
• The Sables (Zimbabwe)

Fast Facts:

• England & Wales will face each other in the RWC pool stage for the 2nd time ever
• The 1st time since 2003 that Wales & The Sea Eagles will play each other at a RWC
• The 1st time ever The Sables will play against England, Wales & The Sea Eagles at the RWC.

Oh, look, this is, um, just an amazing moment for World Rugby. Uh, this is the 1st time that we’ve ever done this. You know, in previous iterations we couldn’t name the teams that were coming to the tournament at this point but, um, on the basis of having now the 24 teams known & to come to this moment and be able to announce the teams for the fans is the 1st time we’ve ever done it.

Now, leading into early next year, when we can work through the match schedule & then ultimately getting onto late February with the, um, with the pre-sales, it’s such a special moment for rugby in the world & particularly rugby in Australia.

Brett Robinson, current World Rugby Chair & former ‘Wallaby‘

Ah, it’s been great to bring you the re…draw for Rugby World Cup 2027.

Micheal Atkinson, Pool Draw Broadcast Host

I, I think the busiest people in the next 2 weeks is going to be all the tour operators who are going to start to work out where our tour groups are going. Look at England & Wales, those fans hate each other. Ireland & Scotland, the same. All Blacks v Australia. Where are all these matches going to be played so & the Springboks supporters as well so now the tour operators start to work out how we get our groups together? Where are we starting to go & uh, it’s going to be a great Rugby World Cup but a lot can change in the next 2 years as well? Sides can change. Someone like Wales can move themselves up the, the pecking order as well so uh, Pool F: England v Wales & Tonga is going to be a great one.

Tim Horan, 2-time RWC-winning former ‘Wallaby’ including captain

A smartphone application has been released for the tournament on Google Play & the Apple App Store (Australia/Great Britain/United States Of America).

The match schedule will be announced on Tuesday the 3rd of February.

International match use of the ball will be launched next year so players can familiarise themselves with it ahead of the main event.

After the draw, World Rugby chair, Brett Robinson, revealed at a media conference that the Australian Government, as part of RWC funding, will provide AUD$15 million in funding for Pacific-related programs:

We actually, through the relationship with the Australian Government in the World Cup funding, have a $15 million bucket of money already that is going to be pushed into Pacifica-related programs, which is fabulous.

Brett Robinson, current World Rugby Chair & former ‘Wallaby‘

Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 has launched its full marketing campaign for the tournament, called Go All Out.

The campaign will be deployed across broadcast, digital & social media channels.

At the centre of the campaign is a film, which continues on from the social media campaign launched earlier this week, which features Aussie humour & cameos from Wallabies’ (Australian team members) Joseph Suaalii, Max Jorgensen & Rob Valetini, among others. It also seems inspired by Australia’s Mad Max film franchise.

Out of a dust storm, a convoy of nation-themed vehicles, including a mechanical wallaby, a giant springbok truck & a soaring Welsh dragon, along with the passionate fans that built them, speeds in pursuit of a meteor, which is the Webb Ellis Cup, delivering the rallying cry: everyone give everything you’ve got & get involved.

View this post on Instagram

Despite only beginning today, the Go All Out campaign is designed to fuel hype ahead of tonight’s pool draw.

This campaign captures the heart, passion & scale of what the Rugby World Cup truly means. There is simply nothing like it. Fans from every corner of the globe will come together to celebrate the game we love & the energy will be electric. Australia is ready to host the biggest Rugby World Cup ever & everyone is invited to Go All Out.

Chris Stanley, RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 Managing Director

I’ve seen what 1 Englishman with a good boot can do in a Rugby World Cup final. That’s the joy & the pain of this tournament – 1 moment can live with you for decades. Now reuniting with my good mate Jonny for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is a full circle moment. A home Rugby World Cup is where legends can be made, with the nation getting behind the Wallabies, hopefully this time, the last kick belongs to someone in gold & trust me, you won’t want to miss that!

1999 Rugby World Cup-winning team member & former ‘Wallaby’, George Gregan

World Rugby & Gilbert have unveiled the ball design for Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 just as the seeding bands have been confirmed for the pool draw:

Band 1

• Springboks (South Africa)
• All Blacks (New Zealand)
• England
• Ireland
• France
• The Pumas (Argentina)

Band 2

• Wallabies (Australia) (will go into Pool A as A2)
• The Flying Fijians
• Scotland
• Italy
• Wales
• Sakura (Japan)

Band 3

• The Lelos (Georgia)
• The Teros (Uruguay)
• The Lions (Spain)
• Eagles (United States Of America)
• The Condors (Chile)
• The Sea Eagles (Tonga)

Band 4

• Manu Samoa
• The Wolves (Portugal)
• The Oaks (Romania)
• Hong Kong, China
• The Sables (Zimbabwe)
• Canada

An Internet Calendaring & Scheduling Core Object Specification (iCalendar) reminder was also released for the pool draw. You can download it here!

The ball is a size 5 with 9-10 pounds per square inch of pressure & will utilise Smart Ball technology that will deliver unique insights for fans.

The ball embodies the event’s identity with the tournament’s mark & an orange hue inspired by Australia’s sun and earth tones. The design reflects the warmth, energy & spirit of Australia.

Fans will be able to purchase the first balls ahead of December 25th with a wider range of commemorative licensed products launching globally in 2026.

This announcement was made on 2 December.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 pool draw is at 8pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (Greenwich Mean Time +11) on Wednesday the 3rd of December while the main tournament will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

Since 1995, Gilbert has been at the heart of our game & once again they have delivered a vibrant and distinctive design for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. This ball not only provides the world’s best players with the perfect tool to perform at the highest level but also enhances the experience for fans through cutting-edge technology.

Michel Poussau, World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer

We are excited to grow our partnership with World Rugby & to bring a wonderful official match ball design to rugby fans around the world. Rugby World Cup tournaments are the absolute pinnacle of our sport & always such a wonderful occasion and a fantastic opportunity to bring new and existing fans together and celebrate rugby.

Richard Gray, Gilbert Rugby Commercial Chief Executive Officer

Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 has published the list of travel agents for the event which includes a travel agent for India for the 1st time ever.

These travel agents are authorised to sell personalised ticket-inclusive travel packages. Over 112,000 tickets have already been pre-ordered by these travel agents.  

Chris John, Sports & Tourism Hospitality (STH) Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said the appointment of travel agents for the event’s Travel Programme marks an important step forward:

Leveraging our long-standing industry partnerships & the trusted expertise of our appointed agents, we look forward to growing the programme even further & delivering world-class, bespoke travel experiences that set a new global standard in Australia.

Chris John, STH Group CEO

STH Group is trading as RWC Experiences (RWCE). RWCE holds the global rights for the event’s travel programme, which they said would involve delivering ‘immersive moments’ for travellers.

Nearly 50 travel agencies from around the world applied to RWCE to be part of the Travel Programme. Following a comprehensive review, RWCE appointed 15 agencies:

• South America: Tower Sports Travel
• European Union (excluding Ireland): Groupe Couleur Rugby
• Australia: Events Travel & Sportsnet Holidays
• Ireland: Killester Travel Rugby
• Japan: JTB Corporation Global Sports
• New Zealand: All Blacks/Ferns Travel & Hospitality
• South Africa (SA): Edusport Travel And Tours, Rennies|BCD Sports Travel & SA Rugby Travel
• United Kingdom: Gullivers Sport Travel, England Rugby Travel & Scottish Rugby Travel
• United States Of America: Southern World Unique Journeys
• India: Dream Set Go

If your region is not listed above, travel agents can still apply to be appointed here.

The appointed travel agents will finalise & release their full package offerings after the match schedule is announced in February. However, travel packages will be available for purchase for select matches from January. Fans can also register their interest with their countries’ agencies here now.

This announcement was made on November 20.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

The appointment of our official travel agents marks another important milestone as we build towards Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027. Coming to Australia for this iconic event will be a trip of a lifetime for many rugby fans & our official travel agents will assist them in making this experience the best it can be – not only to see their teams compete but also to discover Australia’s stunning landscapes, vibrant host cities, culture & heritage.

Chris Stanley, ‘RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027’ Managing Director

Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 has announced that 4 rugby icons will present the event’s pool draw at 8pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (Greenwich Mean Time +11) on Wednesday the 3rd of December.

The 4 rugby icons are:

• Brett Robinson, current World Rugby Chair & former Wallaby (Australian 15s player)
• Dan Carter, 2-time World Cup-winning & former All Black (New Zealand player) including captain
• James Slipper, most capped player of & former captain of the Wallabies
• Alicia Lucas, 2016 Olympic gold medallist representing Australia in women’s rugby 7s, now retired

The pool draw has also been announced to be shown live in Australia on 9Now and Stan Sport & live globally on World Rugby’s YouTube channel.

The pool draw is also no longer being broadcast on Channel 9. Instead, it will be broadcast on its sister multi-channel, 9Gem.

The broadcast will be hosted by former Wallaby & Australian Rugby 7s player, Morgan Turinui. Viewers can expect a comprehensive anticipation-building pre-show. After the pool draw, there will also be an in-depth show unpacking every match-up, pool & storyline that has emerged including live reactions from the Wallabies.

The 24 teams that have qualified were also confirmed in this announcement:

• Wallabies
• Springboks (South Africa)
• All Blacks
• England
• The Pumas (Argentina)
• France
• The Flying Fijians
• Ireland
• Wales
• Scotland
• Italy
• Sakura (Japan)
• The Oaks (Romania)
• The Wolves (Portugal)
• The Lelos (Georgia)
• The Lions (Spain)
• Hong Kong, China
• The Sables (Zimbabwe)
• The Sea Eagles (Tonga)
• The Teros (Uruguay)
• Canada
• Eagles (United States Of America)
• The Condors (Chile)
• Manu Samoa

This announcement was made on November 19.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

With all 24 teams now confirmed for Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, the draw is an important moment for players, fans & the global rugby community. We’re thrilled to have such a distinguished line-up of legends leading the draw & know their insight, passion and expertise will make this event truly memorable.

Chris Stanley, ‘RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027’ Managing Director

World Rugby has postponed the announcement of the match schedule for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 by a month to February.

It was originally scheduled for January.

This announcement was made on October 31.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

World Rugby announced that the Lipovitan D energy drink will be supplied at Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027.

Lipovitan D is the flagship energy drink of Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Their partnership with the event will involve sharing the excitement & appeal of rugby with their market.

This announcement was made on October 22.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

We are delighted to extend our long-standing relationship with Lipovitan D as they return for a 3rd Rugby World Cup. Throughout the successful Japan 2019 & France 2023 editions, their support has helped showcase rugby’s values & create lasting impact across tournaments. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing rugby’s legacy in an exciting new era of rugby. Together, we look forward to inspiring new fans & growing the game through the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever.

Michel Poussau, World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer

We are deeply honoured to participate in Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia as an official supplier, continuing our involvement for the 3rd consecutive men’s tournament since 2019. Continuity is essential in building culture. As a company, we are committed to helping embed the value of rugby in Japan & contributing to the sport’s growing popularity.

Shigeru Uehara, Taisho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd President

World Rugby has announced that TF1 Group will broadcast the Rugby World Cup (RWC) – Australia: Men’s 2027 in France.

This announcement was made on October the 11th.

The RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

We are thrilled to extend our long-standing partnership with TF1, a broadcaster synonymous with the biggest & most iconic moments in French sport. Their passion for the game & commitment to delivering world-class coverage ensure that millions of fans across France will continue to experience the very best of international rugby, free-to-air. Together, we look forward to celebrating the sport’s global growth & welcoming fans to a new era of rugby in 2027.

Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive

This renewed agreement with TF1 is a reflection of a partnership that now spans 4 decades, built on trust, shared ambition & a genuine love for the game. Together, we aim to make Men’s Rugby World Cup – 2027 accessible to as many fans as possible while maintaining the highest standards of promotion & broadcast coverage befitting of rugby’s most prestigious tournament. With TF1’s proven expertise & reach, we are confident that Australia – 2027 will inspire & help us reach new audiences outside of rugby’s traditional borders.

Michel Poussau, World Rugby Chief Revenue Officer

We are delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with World Rugby. This agreement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bringing French viewers the major sporting events that unite & bring people together. This ambitious new deal, combined with the broadcast of the Nations Championship, allows us to offer French fans an exceptional rugby offering. The TF1 Group has put together a 1st-rate sports line-up & we are determined to support our national teams by offering them the best possible showcase on our channels.

François Pellissier, TF1 Group Business & Sport Deputy Chief Executive Officer

The TF1 Group’s powerful exposure, the exceptional showcase of a Rugby World Cup, coupled with the talented generation of players that make up the French national team, promise to offer French fans a unique moment of sport, emotion & cohesion in 2027.

Julien Millereux, TF1 Group Sports Director

Marking 2 years to go until the Rugby World Cups (RWC) – Australia 2027-29 at a celebration in Boorloo/Perth’s Kings Park, World Rugby has announced that the pool draw for the Men’s 2027 tournament will be held in Sydney/Gadigal on the evening of Wednesday the 3rd of December, Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

It will be broadcast internationally including via RugbyPass Television online & in Australia, live on Channel 9.

At the end of the November international window, the World Rugby Men’s Rankings will determine 4 bands of 6 teams with each band drawn randomly into Pool A (except Australia’s band), B, C, D, E or F at the pool draw. Australia will be in Pool A.

It was also announced that, in the new Round Of 16, the winners of Pools A, B, C & D will play the 4 best 3rd place pool stage teams (decided by points then points difference then try difference), winners of Pools E & F will face the runners-up from Pools D & B with the runners-up in Pools A & C meeting the 2nd-placed teams from Pools E & F.

Lastly, 5 minimum rest days will be observed between matches for teams.

Also, adult tickets for the Men’s 2027 tournament were also confirmed to start at AUD$40. Ticket-inclusive premium experiences (for the remaining 44 matches) & travel packages will also go on sale in February.

These announcements were made on the 1st of October.

The Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with the men’s tournament, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027. The women’s tournament will be held in 2029 with dates yet to be determined but are likely to be held roughly in the same months as the preceding men’s tournament.

With only 2 years until the biggest men’s Rugby World Cup ever, I’m thrilled to see the tournament draw date revealed. The draw brings the potential matchups to life; rivalries are set & fans across the globe can envision the unforgettable rugby that awaits. Expanding men’s Rugby World Cup to 24 teams is a landmark moment for our sport. It means more nations, more matches & more opportunities for fans around the world to connect with rugby.

The introduction of a Round Of 16 will deliver even more knockout rugby, ensuring every match counts & every team has the chance to make history. Importantly, we’ve been able to achieve this within a streamlined tournament window that protects player welfare while enhancing the spectacle. This is a huge step forward for rugby & a reflection of the game’s global growth.

Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair

2 years from today, Perth & Australia will be at the forefront of the global stage. 2 years from today, Perth & Australia will be at the centre of the sporting world as the biggest men’s Rugby World Cup ever kicks off.

Oh, 2 years’ time is going to be massive. Rugby World Cup – 2027 will be like, unlike anything we have seen before. The tournament is bigger than ever before. 52 matches, 24 teams, 7 host cities, 6 weeks of incredible rugby for both Australian fans and for our, welcoming our, international fans from around the world & for the very 1st time, the Rugby World Cup with a Round Of 16. More knockout rugby, more drama & more unforgettable memories.

Men’s Rugby World Cup – 2027 will be bigger than ever before. We have 2 & a half million tickets with fans at the very heart. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase Australia to the world & importantly, welcome the international rugby community to our shores.

The countdown is well and truly on & excitement is building. On the December the 3rd this year, we will undertake the Rugby World Cup draw where teams & fans alike will know who they are playing in the pool phase. From there, anticipation will only grow as then, in early 2026, we will be releasing the match schedule with tickets going on sale in February 2026.

With more teams, the biggest tournament ever requires a new & innovative format. It means that every match counts from the very 1st whistle in Perth up until the very final whistle in Sydney.

Of course, fans are at the very heart of what we are doing at this World Cup. With the 2 & a half million tickets available, we’ve tried to make it as accessible as possible with 1 million tickets available under $100 & children’s tickets starting at $20. This is about making sure that everybody can have their opportunity to be part of Rugby World Cup. Open to everyone: families, lifelong supporters & new fans discovering the game for the very 1st time. We encourage all of our fans to go onto our website & register today to make sure they don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of Rugby World Cup – 2027.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australians to be part of a truly international celebration & for the global rugby community to share in an incredible men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Chris Stanley, ‘RWC – Australia: Men’s 2027’ Managing Director

I’m excited. I think being so close to the Cup now, uh, gets the competitive juices flowing, uhm, even more than they are already have been over the last, uh, especially this year with the, how we played the Lions & um & all of that so, uh, being this close to it & just hearing about, you know, the amount of, uh, revenue it is going to bring into Australia & also just, uh, all the new teams that are going to be in, uh, I can’t even explain the, uh, excitement I have & to, & to potentially be a part of that is something, um, yeah, it’s, it’s indescribable as a player but uhm, to able to play in front of my family, my friends, uhm, coaches that have been there before & um, you know, also inspiring the next generation of, uh, West Australians coming through the system & you know, letting them know that, you know, that it is possible to become a Wallaby or Wallaroo, um, through our pathway system is a big opportunity.

There’s a, a, a genuine love for rugby in this state &, um, you know, to be part of that, as the Wallabies to kick off this tournament, 3rd biggest event in the world, um, is so so cool & uhm, uh, people know about me, I’m very passionate about WA & the pathways here & I think it just going to keep growing the game here & um, at the end of the day, uhm, as, uh, Wallabies, that is what we care about is growing the game as best we, uh, as best we can & (deep sharp inhale)

Carlo Tizzano, ‘Wallaby‘ (standing next to the Webb Ellis Cup)