Rugby World Cup draw: Start time, seedings and how to watch | Wales Online
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup takes place on Wednesday morning
The Rugby Union World Cup trophy, the Webb Ellis Cup(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
Rugby World Cup draw: Everything you need to know
The official draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia is scheduled to take place in Sydney on Wednesday, December 3rd. (9am UK time). This event will determine the pool groupings for all competing nations, allowing them to begin preparations for the tournament.
The 2027 competition marks a major shift by expanding the number of participating teams from 20 to 24. This expansion is designed to give more nations exposure to the sport’s premier event and increase global participation.
As a result of their recent narrow victory over Japan, Wales secured a spot in Band 2 for the draw, having finished in the top 12 of the world rankings. This crucial seeding means Wales will avoid facing any other teams from Band 2 in the initial pool stage.
The expanded tournament format will feature six pools, each containing four teams, with Wales set to face one opponent from each of the other three bands. The draw structure ensures Wales will play one team from Band 1 (top seeds), one from Band 3, and one from Band 4.
The best-case draw for Wales from the top-seeded Band 1 is considered to be Argentina, who are currently ranked sixth among the top seeds. Although Argentina recently secured a large victory against Wales, they are generally seen as the most beatable option compared to other major contenders, based on world rankings.
The most favorable opponents for Wales in the lower bands are considered to be Chile from Band 3 and Hong Kong from Band 4. Hong Kong is an especially attractive prospect as they currently lack any previous World Cup pedigree or significant experience.
Wales’ worst-case draw from the top seeds would be reigning world champions, South Africa, especially after their recent mauling at the hands of the Springboks. Facing the world champions would present an extremely daunting start to the tournament for the Welsh side.
The toughest potential opponents in the remaining bands are Georgia (Band 3) and Samoa (Band 4), both of whom have troubled Wales in the past. Samoa, in particular, has a history of causing shock upsets, including famously defeating Wales at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
You can follow the draw live on WalesOnline on Wednesday morning and watch on World Rugby’s Youtube channel
