The Springboks’ planning for their World Cup title defence in 2027 is already well under way, with South Africa currently enjoying a healthy rankings gap of 2.42 points ahead of second-placed New Zealand, while they are 2.95 points clear of third-placed Ireland.

Maintaining a position of strength will be more important than ever by the time this season comes to an end. The draw for the expanded 24-team 2027 World Cup is set to take place in December, and so the rankings then will be used to determine the top seeds for the draw.

It’s already been confirmed that next Rugby World Cup will feature 24 teams in an expanded format, with all qualifiers taking place in 2025 as teams worldwide compete in a series of regional qualifiers, each striving to secure one of the 12 available places.

For the first time in the in the professional era, the men’s pool draw will take place with all 24 participating teams confirmed.

Scheduled for December 2025, the draw will be based on the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November international window. This approach ensures a more accurate and up-to-date seeding process and adds significant weight to every international test match played in the remainder of the calendar year.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “As we head towards the most inclusive and globally representative tournament ever, with 24 teams competing in an expanded format and at least one nation from each of our regional associations, this final step on the ‘Journey to Australia 2027’ will be a celebration of ambition, resilience and the global spirit of rugby.

“We cannot wait to see which team earns the final place and joins us for what promises to be a unique celebration of rugby and Australia in 2027.”

Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the first edition to feature an expanded format with 24 teams, a new round of 16 and increasing the number of matches to 52. 

SPRINGBOKS’ 2025 TEST SCHEDULE AS THEY HEAD TOWARDS THEIR WORLD CUP DEFENCE:

28 June: vs Barbarians, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:05.
5 July: vs Italy, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Kick off: 17:10.
12 July: vs Italy, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha. Kick off: 17:10.
19 July: vs Georgia, Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit. Kick off: 17:10.
16 August: vs Australia, Ellis Park, Johannesburg. Kick off: 17:10.
23 August: vs Australia, DHL Stadium, Cape Town. Kick off: 17:10.
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland. Kick off: 09:05.
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington. Kick off: 09:05.
27 September: vs Argentina, Kings Park, Durban. Kick off: 17:10.
4 October: vs Argentina, London. Kick off: 15:00.
8 November: vs France, Paris. Kick off: TBD.
15 November: vs Italy, Turin. Kick off: TBD.
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin. Kick off: 19:40.
29 November: vs Wales, Cardiff. Kick off: 17:10.

*SA Rugby are working on adding two more Tests for the Springboks, likely to be against Japan and Portug

WHICH SA FIXTURES ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men’s game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.

Ticket sales

Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.

(*booking fees apply)

Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/when-is-the-next-rugby-world-cup-draw/