"Absolute dogs***" - Format change confirmed for 2027 Rugby World Cup

Monday, 23 March 2026 at 13:41

byRugby Rucker

Donncha O’Callaghan has ripped into the new-look 2027 Rugby World Cup format — even with Ireland handed what many see as their smoothest-ever path to the final.

World Rugby’s expansion from 20 to 24 teams has scrapped the classic four pools of five in favour of six pools of four. But O’Callaghan isn’t buying it.

He claims the overhaul has sucked the life out of the early rounds, blasting the pool stages as having “zero interest” and wiping out any chance of a genuine group of death.

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“You can get there by winning just one match”

Speaking on The Offload podcast, he didn’t hold back: “I just think the new format is absolute dog s*… You are going to be able to get there by winning just one match.”**

He warned the new round of 16 will only produce mismatches, with teams advancing despite heavy deficits in previous games. Pointing to one-sided scorelines involving Portugal and Hong Kong, he argued: “Are we not better off giving those teams the money… and just saying, ‘Get better in the time being in some way’.”

No jeopardy for Ireland or Scotland

O’Callaghan mocked the buzz around Ireland once again drawing Scotland, insisting both sides will stroll through a pool also featuring Uruguay and Portugal. “It’s bananas,” he said, predicting fans won’t see meaningful contests until the quarter-finals.

Yet Ireland’s best chance?

Still, he admitted the draw offers a clear path: Georgia in the round of 16, Argentina in a quarter-final, then possibly England.
“Just get beyond the quarters, that’s enough,” he said, urging a psychological reset.

2027 Rugby World Cup draw confirmed:

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

2027 Rugby World Cup draw:

Pool A

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

Pool B

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Pool C

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Pool D

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

Pool E

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

Pool F

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.