SYDNEY – Japan will be playing France, the United States and Samoa in the pool stage of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia after the draw was made on Wednesday.
The Brave Blossoms are in Pool E of the tournament, which has been expanded from 20 to 24 teams, with 16 teams reaching the knockout stage.
Under the new format, the top two teams from each of six pools go through, along with the top four third-place finishers.
France, fifth in the world, are ranked the highest in Pool E, with Eddie Jones’ Japan 12th, the United States 16th and Samoa 19th.
The tournament kicks off on Oct. 1 and the final is on Nov. 13 in 2027 with a total of 52 matches to be played. The detailed schedule is to be unveiled on Feb. 3.