France: Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
Rugby heads to Australia in 2027, and France arrive as one of the most exciting sides on the planet. Reigning Six Nations champions, Les Bleus chase a first world title at Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 from a Pool E they will expect to win. Here is your complete guide.
1. France’s Rugby World Cup history
France are one of rugby’s great entertainers, and one of its great nearly men. They have reached the final three times — in 1987, 1999 and 2011 — but are still searching for a first Webb Ellis Cup.
The heartbreak of a home quarter-final exit at Rugby World Cup 2023 still lingers, and this golden generation is determined to finally get over the line.
2. France’s Pool E fixtures: who, where and when
Here is where and when France play, with all kick-off times in local Australian time:
● France v USA — Docklands Stadium, Melbourne | Narrm — Saturday, 2 October, 2027 — kick-off 17:45 local
● France v Japan — Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane | Meeanjin — Saturday, 9 October, 2027 — kick-off 18:45 local
● France v Samoa — Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney | Gadigal — Sunday, 17 October, 2027 — kick-off 19:45 local
France open against the USA in Melbourne | Narrm, before a trickier assignment against Japan in Brisbane | Meeanjin. They finish against a physical Samoa in Sydney | Gadigal. Anything other than top spot would be a major surprise.
3. Players to watch
Talismanic captain Antoine Dupont is the finest scrum-half in the world and the heartbeat of the side. Alongside him, Romain Ntamack conducts the attack and Damian Penaud finishes it with ruthless efficiency.
Add the electric Louis Bielle-Biarrey, the reliable boot of Thomas Ramos and the power of Grégory Alldritt, and France have a squad brimming with world-class quality.
4. Current form: where France stand
Under Fabien Galthié, France sealed back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2026 with the very last kick of the tournament, edging England 48-46 in a Paris thriller. Bielle-Biarrey was named player of the championship.
A comfortable 42-15 win over Japan in the summer’s Nations Championship kept the momentum going. France travel to Australia as one of the favourites.
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.
