Last updated by Jemima Todd on Wednesday 22nd July 2026
Scotland will head to Australia aiming to make a deep run at the Rugby World Cup 2027 after once again qualifying for rugby's biggest tournament. Gregor Townsend's side have been drawn into Pool D alongside familiar rivals Ireland, as well as Uruguay and Portugal, in an expanded 24-team competition that promises more knockout drama than ever before.
Whether you're planning to follow Scotland's journey from home or are considering travelling to Australia, here's everything you need to know about Scotland's Rugby World Cup 2027 fixtures, potential squad and tournament format.
Register your interest in Rugby World Cup 2027 hospitality experiences with Seat Unique.
Register your interest in Scotland RugbyScotland Rugby World Cup 2027 fixtures
Scotland begin their campaign in Melbourne before travelling across Australia for their remaining pool matches.
Pool D fixtures
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday 3rd October 2027 | Scotland v Uruguay | Docklands Stadium, Melbourne |
| Sunday 10th October 2027 | Ireland v Scotland | Perth Stadium, Perth |
| Sunday 17th October 2027 | Scotland v Portugal | Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane |
The expanded tournament features six pools of four teams. The top two nations from each pool, plus the four best third-placed teams, will progress to a new Round of 16 before the quarter-finals.
Scotland's Rugby World Cup 2027 pool
Scotland have been drawn in Pool D, alongside:
- Ireland
- Uruguay
- Portugal
The meeting with Ireland will be particularly familiar, with the two sides also having faced each other at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups. Uruguay and Portugal have both played Scotland in recent seasons, giving Townsend's squad valuable experience against their fellow Pool D opponents.
Scotland Rugby World Cup 2027 squad predictions
Scotland's official Rugby World Cup 2027 squad has not yet been announced.
Selection will depend on player performances throughout the 2026 and 2027 international seasons, including the Guinness Men's Six Nations and summer Test matches.
Several experienced internationals could feature if available, while emerging talent may also earn opportunities ahead of the tournament. Fans will be watching closely to see which players secure places before Scotland travel to Australia.
Scotland's Rugby World Cup history
Scotland have appeared at every Men's Rugby World Cup since the inaugural tournament in 1987.
Their best finish came in 1991, when they reached the semi-finals before ultimately finishing fourth. Scotland have regularly progressed from the pool stage throughout their Rugby World Cup history and will be hoping the new tournament format helps them challenge for another memorable run.
Rugby World Cup 2027 format
The 2027 Rugby World Cup introduces the biggest format change in the tournament's history.
Key changes include:
- 24 teams competing, instead of 20
- Six pools of four teams
- Top two teams from each pool qualify automatically
- Four best third-placed teams also progress
- A new Round of 16 before the quarter-finals
Despite the additional knockout round, finalists will still play a maximum of seven matches, with scheduling designed to maintain player welfare.
How to experience Rugby World Cup 2027 in style
Australia's Rugby World Cup promises to be one of the biggest sporting events of 2027, with matches taking place across several iconic cities before the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney.
If you're planning to follow Scotland at the tournament, premium hospitality offers an unforgettable way to experience every tackle, try and dramatic moment.
Register your interest in Rugby World Cup 2027 hospitality with Seat Unique to receive the latest updates on premium packages and official experiences as they become available.
Register your interest in Scotland Rugby
Comments