Brazil and Hong Kong set to qualify for first Rugby World Cup, could play Steve Borthwick’s England
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The men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia will feature 24 teams after the World Rugby Council approved historic reimagination of the competition format, window and timing.
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Reflecting World Rugby’s mission to increase the global competitiveness, reach, impact and value of international rugby, the 11th edition of the men’s pinnacle event will see the world’s top
teams compete for the right to lift the Webb Ellis Cup across six weeks from 1 October to 13 November, 2027.
The new format will feature six pools of four teams, with a round of 16 added prior to the quarter-finals.
This will enable the tournament window to be reduced from seven to six weeks, while promoting a rhythm that builds momentum across the pool phase and respects the same minimum number of rest
days between matches as at France 2023.
The expanded format could see tournament debuts for the like of Brazil and Hong Kong based on the current world rankings.
If the 2027 Rugby World Cup Draw was made tomorrow, this is what the Pools may look like (based on rankings). All pools are subject to change.
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