Samoa have punched their ticket to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, sealing the final qualification spot after a tense 13-13 draw with Belgium in Dubai on Tuesday.
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Having already brushed aside Brazil and Namibia in their opening fixtures, Samoa knew a draw would be enough to finish top of the Final Qualification Tournament. They got exactly what they needed. The result completes the line-up for the expanded 24-team World Cup in Australia — and locks in Manu Samoa as the 24th and final nation heading Down Under.
The 2027 tournament will be Samoa’s 10th Rugby World Cup appearance, maintaining a run that stretches all the way back to 1991. Currently sitting 17th in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, attention now shifts to the RWC 2027 Draw on 3 December in Sydney, where they’ll discover who stands between them and a deep run at rugby’s biggest show.
Set for 1 October to 13 November 2027, the Australia-hosted World Cup ushers in a new era: 24 teams, six pools of four and a first-ever round of 16. Expect fireworks.
And there’s more good news for fans of the Pacific powerhouse — Samoa’s qualification also confirms their place in the brand-new World Rugby Nations Cup kicking off in 2026. They’ll join Canada, Chile, Georgia, Hong Kong China, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Tonga, Uruguay, USA and Zimbabwe in a 12-team competition designed to deliver consistent top-level fixtures in the lead-up to RWC 2027.
Manu Samoa are in. Australia 2027 awaits.
2027 Rugby World Cup draw:
Predicted based on current rankings:
South Africa (Band 1)
Reigning giants of world rugby. Dominant set-piece, immense defence, and ruthless efficiency.
Australia (Band 2)
A proud rugby nation rebuilding with speed and energy. Dangerous even when inconsistent.
Japan (Band 3)
Fast, inventive, and fearless. Known for quick ball movement and tactical cleverness.
Tonga (Band 4)
Explosive and physical. Can trouble any side when their offloading game clicks.
Summary:
A bruising pool where South Africa and Australia enter as favourites, but Japan’s pace and Tonga’s power guarantee unpredictability. This could have a genuine upset or two.
New Zealand (Band 1)
The All Blacks — unmatched flair, speed, and rugby IQ. Always title contenders.
Fiji (Band 2)
Electric footwork, immense power, and natural creativity. A nightmare matchup for any defence.
Spain (Band 3)
An improving side full of flair. Known for adventurous attacking rugby.
Portugal (Band 4)
Rapidly rising European underdogs with surprising resilience and strong fundamentals.
Summary:
New Zealand will be heavily favoured, but Fiji vs Spain could be one of the most entertaining games of the pool stage. Portugal are capable of troubling anyone.
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