Rugby World Cup 2027: England set to compete against Tonga in opening match

England is set to compete against Tonga in their first match of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Steve Borthwick’s team will take on the Pacific Island side on October 2 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

The tournament will commence with hosts Australia facing Hong Kong China — who are participating in their inaugural World Cup — in Perth on October 1.

Organizers have opted not to schedule a match between Australia and their trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand for the opening game.

England will meet Zimbabwe at the Adelaide Oval for their second match on October 8, before concluding pool play against Wales at Stadium Australia in Sydney on October 16.

Other notable matchups in the group stage include Australia versus New Zealand on October 9 and Ireland against Scotland on October 10.

If England secures the top position in their group, they will advance to play the second-placed team from Pool B (South Africa, Italy, Romania, and Georgia) in the round of 16 in Perth.

The quarterfinals could potentially feature England against Australia if they finish second in Pool A and win their round-of-16 match.