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2027 Rugby World Cup schedule confirmed as England learn when they will face Wales

South Africa have won the last two men’s Rugby World Cups — South Africa have won the last two men’s Rugby World Cups (AFP via Getty Images)

The schedule for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been released, with England set to face Wales in a group match on Saturday 16 October.
World Rugby has defended its decision to open the tournament with hosts Australia playing debutants Hong Kong in Perth on 1 October 2027.
The Wallabies' marquee clash against New Zealand will instead take place eight days later at a larger venue in Sydney, as part of a limited number of early meetings between top sides.
Brett Robinson, chair of World Rugby, stated that the organisation's role is to build and grow the global game, acknowledging differing opinions on the schedule.
The schedule is condensed around weekends, with no fixtures on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, and notable group games include Ireland vs Scotland and Argentina vs Fiji.

World Rugby defends decision to open 2027 World Cup with huge mismatch — In full