World Cup group stage clashes for home nations

ENGLAND and Wales will clash in the group stage of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

- PRESS ASSOCIATION

Steve Tandy, Head Coach of Wales

(David Rogers/Getty Images)

The two nations were both named in Pool F for the expanded tournament in Australia, which for the first time will feature 24 teams.

England and Wales are joined by Tonga and Zimbabwe, while Ireland and Scotland will meet in Pool D along with Uruguay and Portugal.

Wales famously beat England at the same stage of the 2015 World Cup to push the hosts towards elimination, and Wales head coach Steve Tandy said: “It’s just exciting.

“Obviously, going to the World Cup, seeing the draw, different format, with smaller groups, just can’t wait to get started. I know it’s two years away but the excitement builds straight away.

“Those big games against England are always massive and being in the World Cup they seem bigger.