2027 Rugby World Cup line-up confirmed as several regular nations miss out

Monday, 06 April 2026 at 08:59

byRugby Rucker

Namibia’s long-standing presence at the Rugby World Cup has come to an end, as they failed to qualify for the 2027 tournament in Australia.

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Since their debut in 1999, Namibia had appeared in every edition, building a reputation as Africa’s consistent second force behind South Africa.

Their campaign unraveled in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final, where they suffered a narrow defeat to Zimbabwe, missing out on automatic qualification. In the final repechage tournament, hopes faded further after unexpected losses to Belgium and Samoa, leaving Namibia unable to secure a spot despite one final victory.

This marks a significant shift in African rugby, with Zimbabwe returning to the global stage after decades away. For Namibia, the failure highlights increasing competition from emerging nations and the need for renewal.

After nearly three decades of consistency, they now face the challenge of rebuilding and reclaiming their place among rugby’s elite.

See the full 2027 World Cup draw below.

2027 Rugby World Cup Draw & Fixtures (UK times & Stadiums)

All kick-off times are UK local time (BST).

Pool A – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China

A heavyweight trans-Tasman showdown headlines this pool, with New Zealand and hosts Australia expected to battle for top spot. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting statement wins as they look to upset the established order.

Australia v Hong Kong China | 1 Oct | 11:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
New Zealand v Chile | 2 Oct | 06:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
Australia v New Zealand | 9 Oct | 07:10 | Stadium Australia, Sydney
Chile v Hong Kong China | 9 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
New Zealand v Hong Kong China | 15 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Australia v Chile | 16 Oct | 06:10 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool B – South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania

Defending champions South Africa will start as clear favourites, but Italy’s steady rise and Georgia’s formidable forward power could make this pool tighter than expected. Romania will aim to rediscover their traditional edge on the world stage.

South Africa v Italy | 3 Oct | 05:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Georgia v Romania | 3 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
South Africa v Georgia | 10 Oct | 07:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Italy v Romania | 11 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Italy v Georgia | 17 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
South Africa v Romania | 17 Oct | 12:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth

Pool C – Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada

This pool promises flair and unpredictability. Argentina and Fiji bring attacking firepower, while Spain continue their steady climb in Europe. Canada will look to re-establish themselves as a genuine World Cup force.

Fiji v Spain | 4 Oct | 04:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Argentina v Canada | 4 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Fiji v Canada | 10 Oct | 02:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Argentina v Spain | 10 Oct | 05:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Argentina v Fiji | 16 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Spain v Canada | 16 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville

Pool D – Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal

A fierce Celtic clash between Ireland and Scotland could decide top spot, but neither can afford to underestimate Uruguay or Portugal. Both emerging nations have proven capable of pushing Tier One sides deep into contests.

Scotland v Uruguay | 3 Oct | 07:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Ireland v Portugal | 4 Oct | 07:15 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Ireland v Scotland | 10 Oct | 10:45 | Perth Stadium, Perth
Uruguay v Portugal | 11 Oct | 07:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Ireland v Uruguay | 17 Oct | 04:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Scotland v Portugal | 17 Oct | 07:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane

Pool E – France, Japan, USA, Samoa

France headline a dynamic group that blends European flair with Pacific power. Japan’s high-tempo style and Samoa’s physical edge make this one of the most dangerous pools, while the USA will be targeting a breakthrough campaign.

France v USA | 2 Oct | 08:45 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Japan v Samoa | 3 Oct | 02:15 | Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
USA v Samoa | 9 Oct | 05:15 | Perth Stadium, Perth
France v Japan | 9 Oct | 09:45 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Japan v USA | 15 Oct | 10:30 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
France v Samoa | 17 Oct | 09:45 | Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney

Pool F – England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

England and Wales renew one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries in a pool packed with physicality. Tonga’s power game could prove decisive, while Zimbabwe will look to bring energy and ambition to every contest.

Wales v Zimbabwe | 2 Oct | 03:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
England v Tonga | 2 Oct | 11:15 | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Wales v Tonga | 8 Oct | 08:15 | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
England v Zimbabwe | 8 Oct | 10:45 | Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Tonga v Zimbabwe | 15 Oct | 11:15 | North Queensland Stadium, Townsville
England v Wales | 16 Oct | 09:45 | Stadium Australia, Sydney

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!