Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw: Everything You Need to Know
The historic 24-team tournament draw takes place in Sydney. Discover the revolutionary new format, seeding structure, and how your favorite team will compete for rugby's ultimate prize.
Official Draw Details
When is the Draw?
Date: Wednesday 3 December 2025
Location: Sydney, Australia
Time: Evening (AEDT)
How to Watch
Global Stream: World Rugby RugbyPass TV
Australia: Channel Nine
Coverage: Live draw ceremony with analysis
How the Draw Works
Seeding Pots
24 teams divided into 4 pots of 6, based on December 2025 World Rankings
Pool Allocation
Teams drawn into 6 pools (A-F), one team from each pot per pool
Host Advantage
Australia automatically placed in Pool A as host nation
Revolutionary 24-Team Format
Rugby World Cup 2027 introduces the biggest format change in tournament history, expanding from 20 to 24 teams with a new knockout structure.
Tournament Structure
What's Changed from Previous Tournaments
Team Count
More nations, greater global representation
Pool Structure
Fewer group stage matches per team
Knockout Stage
More knockout drama, similar to football World Cup
Tournament Duration
More compact schedule despite extra teams
Advancement
More teams progress to knockout rounds
Total Matches
Only 4 additional matches with 4 extra teams
Pool Progression Explained
Pool Winners
Top team from each of 6 pools automatically advances (6 teams)
Runners-Up
Second-place team from each of 6 pools advances (6 teams)
Best Third-Place
The 4 best third-place teams based on points and differentials (4 teams)
Total: 16 teams advance to the knockout rounds
Tournament Seedings
All 24 teams ranked into four pots of six based on World Rugby Rankings as of December 2025. Each pool will contain one team from each pot.
Pot 1
Top-ranked teams based on World Rugby Rankings as of December 2025
Pot 2
Ranked 7-12 in World Rugby Rankings - includes host nation Australia
Pot 3
Ranked 13-18 - Emerging rugby nations and qualified teams
Pot 4
Ranked 19-24 - Final qualification spots to be determined
Host Nation: Australia
As the host nation, Australia receives an automatic placement in Pool A, regardless of their seeding pot. This provides a strategic advantage for tournament planning.
Australia's actual seeding (Pot 1 or Pot 2) will be determined by their World Rugby Ranking position in December 2025, affecting which teams they could potentially face in their pool.
Road to Rugby World Cup 2027
Official Draw Ceremony
Sydney, Australia
Final Qualification Spots Confirmed
Global
Match Schedule Released
Announced Digitally
Tournament Begins
Australia (Multiple Cities)
Final at Stadium Australia
Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw?
How does the new 24-team format work?
How are teams seeded for the draw?
Is Australia's pool position guaranteed?
Which teams have qualified for RWC 2027?
How is the Round of 16 different from previous tournaments?
Don't Miss the Historic 2027 Tournament
Be part of rugby history as 24 nations compete in Australia's biggest sporting event. Secure your tickets now and witness the action live.