Rugby World Cup guide: Ireland set to find out opponents for 2027 showpiece

It will be an expanded tournament from 20 to 24 teams, divided into six pools of four nations each, with the top two from each pool plus the four best third-placed teams progressing to a new round of 16.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi celebrates with the William Webb Ellis trophy after winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Pic: Dan Sheridan/Inpho.

With two years to go to the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, Ireland are set to learn just who they will be facing Down Under at Wednesday morning’s pool draw in Sydney (from 9am Irish time).

Streaming live on RugbyPass TV and the World Rugby YouTube channel, supporters will get an early taste of what’s to come when Ireland make their latest bid to go beyond the quarter-finals for the first time in what will be the tournament’s 40-year history by the time it kicks off on October 1, 2027.