By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe has been placed in a tough Pool F alongside England, Wales and Tonga for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, after World Rugby on Tuesday confirmed the pools for what will be the largest tournament in the event’s history.
The 2027 edition, to be hosted in Australia, expands the competition to 24 teams, grouped into six pools of four.
The new format is aimed at increasing global participation and creating more opportunities for emerging rugby nations such as Zimbabwe.
Pool F will feature England, Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe. The draw places the Sables against two former Rugby World Cup finalists and a physical Tongan side as they prepare for their first appearance at the expanded tournament.
The four-time World Cup winners, who will be chasing an unprecedented hat-trick of titles, will face Italy, Georgia and Romania in the Pool B of the expanded 24-team tournament while Pool A features hosts Australia New Zealand, Chile and Hong Kong China.
Pool C comprises of Argentina, Fiji, Spain and Canada while Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal make up Pool D.
France headlines Pool E alongside Japan, USA and Samoa.
The pool announcement was broadcast live on Stan Sport, 9Gem and 9Now in Australia, and streamed globally via RugbyPass TV and World Rugby’s YouTube channel. The event was presented by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, former All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter, former Wallabies captain James Slipper and Olympic gold medallist Alicia Lucas.
With the pools now confirmed, teams and supporters can begin planning for the competition. The next key step in the build-up will be the release of the full match schedule, set for February 3.