Ireland’s path becomes clear as Rugby World Cup seeding bands confirmed
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Here we go.
The four bands for the 2027 Rugby World Cup have officially been confirmed, with Ireland’s path now much clearer.
Andy Farrell’s side dropped down to fourth in the world as a result of their defeats to New Zealand and South Africa, and England’s unbeaten run, but they remain in Band 1.
That means they avoid South Africa, New Zealand, England, France and tournament bogies Argentina, in the pool stages of a new revamped 24-team competition.
They will be drawn alongside a team from each of Band 2, 3 and 4, with three pool games each across six pools.
The top two teams from each pool, as well as the four best third-placed teams, will now go straight to a new last 16 tie, before the traditional QF, SF and Final.
The draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup will take place on December 3rd.
Band 1
South Africa
New Zealand
England
Ireland
France
Argentina
Band 2
Australia
Fiji
Scotland
Italy
Wales
Japan
Band 3
Georgia
Spain
Uruguay
USA
Chile
Tonga
Band 4
Samoa
Portugal
Romania
Hong Kong China
Zimbabwe
Canada
