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Zimbabwe in tough pool for 2027 Rugby World Cup
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Zimbabwe has been drawn into a challenging Pool F for the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia, facing former finalists England and Wales, along with Pacific Island nation Tonga. The announcement by World Rugby on Tuesday confirms Zimbabwe's return to the global tournament for the first time since 1991.
The Sables earned their place in the 24-team tournament after winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, marking their third overall World Cup appearance following 1987 and 1991. The new tournament format, designed to increase global participation, divides the 24 teams into six pools of four.
Pool F will see Zimbabwe compete against two of rugby's traditional powerhouses and a physically formidable Tongan side. England, the 2003 World Cup champions, and multiple Six Nations winners Wales will provide a stern test for the Sables.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, alongside former stars including Dan Carter and James Slipper, presented the pool draw.
Reacting to the draw, Zimbabwe Sables captain Hilton Mudariki acknowledged the challenge but highlighted the opportunity it presents for the team. "We knew any pool would be tough at this level, but to draw two of the most iconic names in world rugby, England and Wales, is an incredible opportunity for our team and for the nation," he said.
Mudariki also noted that the expanded 24-team format gives emerging nations a realistic chance to progress to the knockout stages. "Every match will be a final for us, and the goal remains to advance in this new format," he added.
Elsewhere, Pool B features four-time World Cup winners South Africa, who will face Italy, Georgia, and Romania as they pursue a hat-trick of titles. The full match schedule for Rugby World Cup 2027 is expected to be released on February 3, with Zimbabwe set to begin its campaign in October 2027.
2027 Rugby World Cup Pools
Pool A: Australia (Hosts), New Zealand, 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 G: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
The Sables earned their place in the 24-team tournament after winning the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, marking their third overall World Cup appearance following 1987 and 1991. The new tournament format, designed to increase global participation, divides the 24 teams into six pools of four.
Pool F will see Zimbabwe compete against two of rugby's traditional powerhouses and a physically formidable Tongan side. England, the 2003 World Cup champions, and multiple Six Nations winners Wales will provide a stern test for the Sables.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, alongside former stars including Dan Carter and James Slipper, presented the pool draw.
Reacting to the draw, Zimbabwe Sables captain Hilton Mudariki acknowledged the challenge but highlighted the opportunity it presents for the team. "We knew any pool would be tough at this level, but to draw two of the most iconic names in world rugby, England and Wales, is an incredible opportunity for our team and for the nation," he said.
Mudariki also noted that the expanded 24-team format gives emerging nations a realistic chance to progress to the knockout stages. "Every match will be a final for us, and the goal remains to advance in this new format," he added.
Elsewhere, Pool B features four-time World Cup winners South Africa, who will face Italy, Georgia, and Romania as they pursue a hat-trick of titles. The full match schedule for Rugby World Cup 2027 is expected to be released on February 3, with Zimbabwe set to begin its campaign in October 2027.
2027 Rugby World Cup Pools
Pool A: Australia (Hosts), New Zealand, 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 G: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe
Source - Newsday
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