Italy: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027, and Italy arrive with more belief than they have carried in years. A young, exciting Azzurri side chase a first-ever knockout appearance at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, out of a competitive Pool B. Here is your complete guide.
1. Italy’s Rugby World Cup history
Italy have featured at every Rugby World Cup since 1987 but have never made it out of the pool stage — the one milestone that has always eluded them.
A new generation, brought through together, has Italian rugby dreaming of finally changing that story on Australian soil.
2. Italy’s Pool B fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when Italy play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● Italy v South Africa — Adelaide Oval, Adelaide | Tarntanya — Sunday, 3 October, 2027 — kick-off 14:15 local
● Italy v Romania — Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney | Gadigal — Monday, 11 October, 2027 — kick-off 19:45 local
● Italy v Georgia — Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi — Sunday, 17 October, 2027 — kick-off 12:15 local
A brutal opener against world champions South Africa in Adelaide | Tarntanya is followed by a winnable clash with Romania in Sydney | Gadigal. It could all come down to the final round against Georgia in Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi — potentially a straight shoot-out for a place in the last 16.
3. Players to watch
Captain and flanker Michele Lamaro leads a talented group. Centre Tommaso Menoncello is one of Europe’s most exciting young backs, while full-back Ange Capuozzo brings a spark of magic every time he touches the ball.
Fly-half Paolo Garbisi controls the game, with Juan Ignacio Brex a rock in midfield. This is arguably the most gifted attacking group Italy have ever assembled.
4. Current form: where Italy stand
Under head coach Gonzalo Quesada, Italy equalled their best-ever Six Nations finish of fourth in 2026 — a campaign that included a first-ever victory over England.
A heavy 57-10 loss to Australia in the summer’s Nations Championship showed the gap that still exists to the very top, but the direction of travel is clear and encouraging.
5. Back the tournament with Gilbert
Gilbert designed the official match ball for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, and the 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.
