Portugal: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027, and few sides carry more feel-good momentum than Portugal. The darlings of the last World Cup arrive at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 as European champions, ready to take on a tough Pool D. Here is your complete guide.
1. Portugal’s Rugby World Cup history
Portugal, known as Os Lobos, made their World Cup debut in 2007. But it was 2023 that captured the world’s imagination, when they claimed a first-ever World Cup victory with a stirring win over Fiji in their final match.
That fearless, all-court style won them admirers everywhere and set the tone for a golden period in Portuguese rugby.
2. Portugal’s Pool D fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when Portugal play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● Portugal v Ireland — Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney | Gadigal — Monday, 4 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:15 local
● Portugal v Uruguay — Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi — Monday, 11 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:15 local
● Portugal v Scotland — Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane | Meeanjin — Sunday, 17 October, 2027 — kick-off 16:15 local
Portugal open against Ireland in Sydney | Gadigal before the fixture they will target hardest: a winnable clash with Uruguay in Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi. They finish against Scotland in Brisbane | Meeanjin, with a chance to spring a surprise.
3. Players to watch
Forward José Madeira leads by example and rarely misses a tackle. Flanker Nicolás Martins, man of the match in that historic win over Fiji, is a breakdown menace.
Out wide, winger Rodrigo Marta is the most prolific try-scorer in Portuguese history — a genuine finisher who thrives on Os Lobos’ fast, ambitious game.
4. Current form: where Portugal stand
Under head coach Simon Mannix, a former All Blacks fly-half, Portugal produced the result of their history in 2026, coming from behind to beat Georgia and win the Rugby Europe Championship, ending Georgia’s long grip on the title.
Back-to-back wins in the summer’s Nations Cup kept the momentum flowing. Portugal travel to Australia with nothing to fear.
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.
