# Landmark Draw Confirms Pools for Expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup
The largest Rugby World Cup in history is taking shape,as organizers today confirmed the six pools for the 2027 tournament. This marks a significant milestone in preparations for an event that will see a record 24 teams compete for the title.
For the first time, the Men’s Rugby World Cup will feature an expanded format, with six pools of four teams each. This change is designed to broaden the tournament’s reach and make the sport more accessible to fans globally. According to a senior official, the expanded format is “designed to break down barriers and make the game more accessible to fans around the world.”
2027 Rugby World Cup: Pool Breakdown
Here’s a look at the confirmed pool assignments:
- Pool A: new Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
- 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
The draw ceremony, broadcast live in Australia on Stan sport, 9Gem, and 9Now, and streamed worldwide via RugbyPass TV and World Rugby YouTube, was presented by a prominent lineup of rugby figures. Presenters included World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, All Blacks legend Dan Carter, former Wallabies captain James Slipper, and Olympic gold medalist Alicia Lucas.
Key dates for Fans
With the pool stage now set, anticipation is building for the full match schedule, which will be announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Rugby enthusiasts will then have the chance to secure their seats through an exclusive two-week presale period beginning February 18, 2026, at 12:00 AEDT. To participate in the presale, fans must create a ticketing account before 12:00 AEDT (GMT+11) on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
For extensive news and data, including details on accessing presale tickets, visit rugbyworldcup.com/2027.
The confirmation of these pools represents a major step forward in the planning for what promises to be an unforgettable Rugby World Cup in 2027.
