2027 Rugby World Cup draw to take place this December
THE DRAW FOR the pool stage of the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup in Australia will take place next December, World Rugby confirmed.
The tournament will feature 24 teams, rather than 20 as was the case since the 1999 World Cup, divided into six pools of four teams.
Perth will host the opening match and Sydney the final in the event from 1 October to 13 November 2027.
The final qualifying tournament takes place in Dubai from 8-18 November.
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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.
– © AFP 2025
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The Irish Sun
14 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
‘He has been punished' – Luxembourg defend selection of star found guilty of assault and battery ahead of Ireland clash
LUXEMBOURG coach Luc Holtz said that fan protests over domestic abuser Gerson Rodrigues' inclusion are not a distraction. The Grand Duchy boss had faced criticism for selecting Rodrigues who was found guilty of three assault and battery charges, including one for assaulting his former girlfriend. Advertisement 2 Luc Holtz insisted fan protests around Gerson Rodrigues won't distract his team against Ireland Credit: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile 2 Gerson Rodrigues was found guilty of three assault and battery charges Credit: Sportsfile - Subscription The three incidents - two involving altercations with males outside nightclubs - all happened in 2022 and were tried as one case. Rodrigues continues to deny he assaulted his former partner, but lost an appeall against a €1,500 and suspended 18 month sentence in March. He has continued to be picked by Holtz with the backing of the Luxembourg FA. But it has led to sustained criticism in Luxembourg, and a security removed a fan banner. Advertisement Read More on Ireland MNT The Luxembourg FA have subsequently apologised for that, but have reaffirmed that Rodrigues can be selected. Holtz largely avoided questions on the issue at the pre-match press conference ahead of the PRO Marc Diederich said: 'The reason that the board of the Federation allowed the coach to select him was because he had his punishment from the court of Luxembourg. 'The court is the only instance that can punish people, it's not for the public or the journalists or you to give him a second punishment, he has been punished by the court. Advertisement Most read in Football 'He can do everything, he can go to the supermarket , he can play in this team, that's why he is selected, there are lots of examples in other countries.' When asked did that sent the wrong message, or that it is okay, he said: 'No, it's not ok, no one says it's ok to beat up a woman. RTE viewers hail Killian Phillips as emotional Republic of Ireland star reflects on 'proudest moment' of his life 'But he has had a second chance, we said clearly to him it should never happen again.' While Holtz largely stayed silent when questioned about Rodrigues, he did insist that none of the criticism or protests will distract his team. Advertisement He said: 'The focus from the team is only on the pitch, all that is not the pitch does not distract the players. 'The focus is on the pitch, everything is not the pitch, on the tribunes, outside should not distract the team, did not distract the team.' And he believes that taking on Ireland is a perfect warm-up game for their Holtz said: 'It will be a very good test, both Ireland and Advertisement 'The mentality is quite close between Ireland and Northern Ireland, it is perfect preparation for the match in September.' But Holtz is also familiar with Ireland as the two sides met in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers , losing 3-0 at home but winning 1-0 in Dublin , when Rodrigues scored the winner. And Holtz insisted that the only difference between then, and now, is that both teams are now more experienced. He said: 'The team did not change so much since '21, only a few new young players, the other ones have got more experience, and more confident. Advertisement 'The football is the same in 2021 and 2025. Maybe we have more experience, that's the only difference.'
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Luxembourg won't be distracted by Gerson Rodrigues controversy against Ireland says manager
Luc Holtz insists his Luxembourg side are not distracted by the ongoing controversy over Gerson Rodrigues ahead of Tuesday's friendly against Ireland. The striker – who scored the winner in a 2021 World Cup qualifier at Lansdowne Road – has been handed an 18-month suspended sentence after being convicted of three assault offences, including against his former girlfriend Emily Boland. His appeal against the sentence was rejected. Rodrigues's presence in the team for Friday's defeat against Slovenia prompted protests from a section of supporters, with banners confiscated. Although the Luxembourg federation issued an apology on Monday for the heavy-handedness of security, outlining their position on Rodrigues in a long statement, the manager batted away questions about the episode on the eve of facing Ireland. 'Nothing interests this team,' Holtz said of the media storm still swirling around Luxembourg and beyond. 'The focus is on the pitch. Everything not on the pitch, in the stands, outside should not distract this team.' Pressed further on the matter, in particular why the manager continues to select a player convicted of such a serious crime, the federation media officer Marc Diederich intervened. 'The reason the federation allows the manager to pick the player is because the punishment came from the court,' he contended on the basis of double jeopardy. 'It is not a reason for the public or the journalists to give him a second punishment for the same thing. 'He did not go to prison and is free to do everything, including go to the supermarket. He could play for the club and national team. 'There are similar examples of players who continued to play after conviction, including Lucas Hernandez. 'Nobody says it is okay to bother a woman. Our player is getting a second chance and we have said this can never happen again.' Rodrigues, who has just completed his eight loan spell away from parent club Dynamo Kyiv, will spearhead their attack at the Stade de Luxembourg in what is their final friendly before the World Cup qualifiers kick off in September. First up in a group that includes Germany and Slovakia is Northern Ireland. Just like arranging a friendly against Slovakia's neighbours Slovenia, there's a purpose to undertaking a dry run against Ireland. 'It will be a very good test because both Ireland and Northern Ireland are physically very strong players,' said Holtz, embracing the stereotypes. 'They high intensity in the game. The mentality is quite close between Ireland and Northern Ireland so this is perfect preparation for the match in September.' Holtz's first magic moment of his five-year spell at the helm came in an Covid-19 enforced empty Lansdowne Road in 2021 but Ireland exacted revenge by running out 3-0 victors in the return. 'The team did not change so much since 2021, only a few new young players being added,' he summarised as the difference between the team led by Stephen Kenny against what he'll be confronted by under Heimir Hallgrimsson. 'Ireland's other players have now got more experience and confidence but football is the same in 2021 and 2025. Maybe we have more experience too.'
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland predictions, odds and betting tips
THE REPUBLIC of Ireland return to action on Tuesday as they face Luxembourg, looking to extend their unbeaten run to four matches. After an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side will aim to build momentum with another strong performance as preparations continue for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers starting in September. Quick Luxembourg vs Ireland tips Ireland to win - Troy Parrott to score anytime - BTTS - Luxembourg vs Ireland odds Find the latest football betting odds for Luxembourg vs Ireland. Our odds are provided by the Luxembourg vs Ireland predictions Optimism is growing that manager Heimir Hallgrímsson can guide the Boys in Green to their first World Cup finals since 2002. Under the Icelandic coach, Ireland have shown clear signs of progress. While they face a tough qualifying group featuring Portugal, Hungary, and Armenia, a second-place finish - and the accompanying play-off spot - is seen as a realistic target. Back-to-back wins over Bulgaria secured Ireland's place to Nations League B, and those results were followed by an encouraging 1-1 draw against Senegal on Friday night. Kasey McAteer marked his first start in a green shirt with a 21st-minute goal. Both sides created chances, but it was Senegal's superior quality in the final third that told, as substitute Ismaila Sarr finally found a way past Caoimhin Kelleher in the 82nd minute. On the balance of play, the visitors probably merited a draw to maintain their unbeaten run. Still, Ireland can take plenty of positives from a strong display against an in-form Senegal side. A win over Luxembourg is no longer the formality it once was. In their last outing, the Red Lions fell just short in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia on Friday, with Tamar Svetlin scoring the only goal just before half-time. That result marked Luxembourg's first home loss in three matches. While Luc Holtz's side have struggled for overall consistency, recent performances at the Luxembourg Stadium suggest they are no pushovers on home soil. In March, they claimed an impressive 1-0 win over Sweden in a friendly, and last November, they came from two goals down to earn a hard-fought Nations League 2-2 draw against Northern Ireland. READ MORE SUN STORIES Luxembourg vs Ireland betting tips Heimir Hallgrímsson will be keen to maintain the momentum his side has built in recent outings and avoid a setback on the road against Luxembourg. While this fixture presents its challenges, Ireland head into the match as favourites to win. Our Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland match betting tips are below: Ireland to win Luxembourg may have managed a win and a draw in their last three home games, but their overall form remains inconsistent. That includes their disappointing loss to Slovenia on Friday night. In contrast, Ireland appears to be on an upward trajectory. If the Boys in Green can replicate the level of performance they showed in Friday's 1-1 draw with Senegal, there's every reason to believe they can secure another win at the Luxembourg Stadium. Ireland ran out 3-0 winners on their last visit in November 2021. While a repeat of that scoreline may be unlikely, Heimir Hallgrímsson's side should still have enough quality to get the job done. ➡️ Troy Parrott to score anytime After missing out on a starting role against Senegal due to illness, Troy Parrott is expected to return to the lineup against Luxembourg. The 23-year-old is coming off a standout season with AZ Alkmaar, where he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. With Heimir Hallgrímsson looking to get his in-form striker more comfortable at international level, backing Parrott to score anytime here looks like a smart bet. ➡️ Both teams to score We know that Luxembourg have their issues in front of goal, but Ireland have their own problems at the back. The Boys in Green have conceded in eight of their last nine matches. Furthermore, the hosts have scored in four of their last six matches and in two of their last three at home. No in this market is the favourite at 8/13. We think it's worth a small wager on yes at odds against, especially given Ireland's recent defensive record. ➡️ 📺 How to watch Luxembourg vs Republic of Ireland Location : Stade de Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Date and time : Tuesday 10th June, 7.45pm. How to watch : RTE2, RTE Player and Amazon Prime Video. About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Responsible gambling A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Problem gambling – Gamble Aware – Help with gambling addiction If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland. Most read in Betting
