ZIMBABWE has been placed in a challenging Pool F alongside former Rugby World Cup finalists England and Wales, as well as Pacific Island nation Tonga, for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The pools were confirmed by World Rugby on Tuesday for the expanded 24-team tournament, which marks Zimbabwe’s return to the global showpiece for the first time since 1991.
The Sables’ qualification follows their victory in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, securing their third overall appearance after participation in 1987 and 1991.
The new format, which aims to increase global participation, groups the 24 teams into six pools of four tam.
Pool F features England the 2003 World Cup Champions, multiple six nations winners Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe.
The draw positions the Sables against two of the sport’s traditional powerhouses, both former Rugby World Cup finalists, and a physically imposing Tongan outfit.
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The pool announcement was presented by World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson and former players, including Dan Carter and James Slipper.
Reacting to the draw, Zimbabwe Sables captain Hilton Mudariki acknowledged the demanding schedule but emphasised the opportunity for his 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,” Mudariki stated.
Mudariki added that the new 24-team format offers emerging nations a realistic chance at knockout qualification.
“Every match will be a final for us, and the goal remains to advance in the expanded 24-team format,” the skipper confirmed.
The remaining pools for the tournament, which will feature the four-time World Cup winners South Africa who will be chasing a hat-trick of titles) in Pool B against Italy, Georgia and Romania.
The full match schedule for the Rugby World Cup 2027 is set to be released on February 3. Zimbabwe will begin its campaign in Australia 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
— Sports Reporter/Zim Sport Live