Zimbabwe's national rugby squad finds out who they face at the expanded 2027 World Cup when organizers run the draw in Sydney. The Sables locked their spot by beating Namibia to win the Rugby Africa Cup after sitting out global competition since 1991, and they join South Africa as the continent's reps at a tournament that jumps from 20 squads to 24.
Australia hosts the revamped format with six pools of four teams instead of the old setup, and knockout rounds start earlier with a Round of 16 that takes pool winners plus the best third-place finishers. Zimbabwe landed in Band Four alongside Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong, and Canada based on world rankings.
The tournament gives more countries a shot at making noise on the big stage while keeping player welfare in check with a tighter schedule. World Rugby's boss said the changes reflect how the sport keeps growing globally.
Australia hosts the revamped format with six pools of four teams instead of the old setup, and knockout rounds start earlier with a Round of 16 that takes pool winners plus the best third-place finishers. Zimbabwe landed in Band Four alongside Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong, and Canada based on world rankings.
The tournament gives more countries a shot at making noise on the big stage while keeping player welfare in check with a tighter schedule. World Rugby's boss said the changes reflect how the sport keeps growing globally.
