Ireland: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027, and Ireland travel south determined to finally break their World Cup ceiling. One of the most consistent sides of the modern era, Ireland face a tricky Pool D at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. Here is your complete guide.
1. Ireland’s Rugby World Cup history
Ireland have spent long spells ranked as the best team in the world, yet the World Cup has been a source of heartbreak. Despite topping their pool time and again, they have never gone beyond the quarter-finals.
The most recent near-miss came in 2023, when a titanic last-eight defeat to New Zealand ended another golden campaign. Breaking that quarter-final barrier is the obsession.
2. Ireland’s Pool D fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when Ireland play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● Ireland v Portugal — Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney | Gadigal — Monday, 4 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:15 local
● Ireland v Scotland — Perth Stadium, Perth | Boorloo — Sunday, 10 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:45 local
● Ireland v Uruguay — Docklands Stadium, Melbourne | Narrm — Sunday, 17 October, 2027 — kick-off 14:45 local
Ireland open against a dangerous Portugal in Sydney | Gadigal before the pool’s defining fixture: Ireland v Scotland in Perth | Boorloo, a Celtic clash that could decide who tops the group. They finish against Uruguay in Melbourne | Narrm.
3. Players to watch
Captain Caelan Doris is a world-class number eight and an outstanding leader. Around him, Tadhg Beirne and Tadhg Furlong bring big-game experience, while Dan Sheehan is among the finest hookers in the sport.
Behind the scrum, Jamison Gibson-Park pulls the strings, with Bundee Aki’s power, James Lowe’s left boot and Hugo Keenan’s calm all key. Sam Prendergast is the emerging playmaker.
4. Current form: where Ireland stand
Head coach Andy Farrell returned from leading the British & Irish Lions to guide Ireland into the World Cup cycle. They finished runners-up in the 2026 Six Nations and claimed another Triple Crown.
A 40-21 defeat to New Zealand in the summer’s Nations Championship was a reminder of the level required. Ireland remain a top side — the question is whether they can finally deliver in the knockouts.
5. Back the tournament with Gilbert
Gilbert designed the official match ball for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 Replica Ball brings that same iconic design to your back garden, your club, or the trophy shelf. Explore the full Rugby World Cup collection, and keep an eye out — our Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 range is growing, with more tournament and nation product landing through the season.
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More from the Gilbert news hub: Want the story behind the ball every side will play with in Australia? Read Everything You Need to Know: The RWC 2027 Ball, and follow the news hub as we profile all 24 nations heading to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
