The draw for the pool stage of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup is to take place in December, World Rugby have confirmed.

The tournament, which will be staged in Australia from 1 October to 13 November, will be expanded to take in 24 teams rather than 20 as was the case since the 1999 World Cup.

The teams will be divided into six pools of four teams.

Sixteen teams have qualified so far – two-time defending champions South Africa, France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina, Japan, Georgia, Spain, Portugal and Romania.

The final qualifying tournament will be held in Dubai from 8 to 18 November.

The opening match of the competition will take place in Perth, with the final being staged in Sydney.