THE FUSE

England and Wales have been paired together in the pool stages of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, with Tonga and minnows Zimbabwe rounding out Pool F.

The pair famously met at the same stage in the 2015 tournament, with Wales' victory at Twickenham contributing to hosts England's early exit.

Ireland and Scotland also share a pool, just as they did at France 2023, where Ireland won 36-14 and Scotland failed to progress to the knockout stages. Uruguay and Portugal, who both impressed as underdogs in France, are also in Pool D.

Neither Pool D or Pool F's winners can meet holders and top-ranked South Africa until the final, presuming the Springboks top their own group.

If the pools play out according to the world rankings, New Zealand and France, leading contenders for the trophy, would also be kept apart from England and Ireland until the final.

Argentina would be the other top-ranked nation on England and Ireland's side of the knockout draw in that hypothetical situation.

Hosts Australia have been drawn together with trans-Tasman rivals and three-time winners the All Blacks in Pool A.

The Wallabies will open the tournament in Perth on 1 October 2027.

Rugby World Cup 2027 draw

Pool A

New Zealand

Australia

Chile

Hong Kong

Pool B

South Africa

Italy

Georgia

Romania

Pool C

Argentina

Fiji

Spain

Canada

Pool D

Ireland

Scotland

Uruguay

Portugal

Pool E

France

Japan

USA

Samoa

Pool F

England

Wales

Tonga

Zimbabwe