TOKYO – Japan will play their first match of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia against Pool E opponents Samoa in Newcastle on Oct. 3, the organizers announced Tuesday.
Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms will face heavyweights France in Brisbane six days later, before wrapping up the pool phase against the United States in Adelaide on Oct. 15.
Next year’s tournament will feature 24 teams, up from 20, divided into six pools.
The top two from each pool, along with the four best third-place teams, will advance to the knockout round of 16.
The host nation’s Wallabies will face Hong Kong in the opening match of the tournament in Perth on Oct. 1, with the final to be played at the 82,000-seat Stadium Australia in Sydney on Nov. 13.