Samoa Secure Final 2027 Rugby World Cup Spot After Draw

Samoa have claimed the last remaining place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after securing a 13-13 draw with Belgium in the decisive match of the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai this week.

The result, following earlier victories over Brazil and Namibia, was enough to put Samoa top of the standings and complete the full 24-team line-up for the expanded Australian showpiece.

Their qualification confirms Samoa’s tenth appearance at rugby’s global tournament, maintaining an unbroken run that stretches back to 1991. Currently ranked 17th in the world, Samoa will now turn their attention to the official draw on 3 December in Sydney, where they will discover their pool opponents for Australia 2027.

Samoa have reached the quarter-finals of the tournament twice, in 1991 and 1995.

Namibia will miss out on the tournament for the first time since 1995, having played in every World Cup between 1999 and 2023.

Hong Kong will be making its tournament debut, the only team that will be playing in its first Rugby World Cup at the 2027 showpiece.

The 2027 tournament, set to be held from 1 October to 13 November, marks a new era with 24 teams, six pools of four, and a round of 16 for the first time.