As the countdown begins to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, today marks just one year until the tournament kicks off on October 1 in Perth. The opening match features Australia against Hong Kong China, while Wales will face Zimbabwe in their first game on October 2 in Adelaide.

Currently ranked 11th in the world, Wales prepares to compete in a tournament that has expanded to 24 teams, increasing the number of pools from four to six. The 2023 World Cup top finishers—France, New Zealand, Italy, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, England, Argentina, and Japan—secured automatic qualification.

Teams like Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, USA, Uruguay, Chile, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong China, and Samoa earned their spots through qualifying tournaments.

Wales is set for an extensive preparation schedule, which includes:

• 12 to 13 potential matches over three blocks
• Home Nations Championship games against Japan, New Zealand, and Australia this November
• Five matches in the 2027 Six Nations, featuring away games against France, Scotland, and Italy, and home games in Cardiff against England and Ireland

After the 2026-27 domestic season, Wales will convene for summer fitness camps, with previous locations including Poland, Switzerland, and Turkey. The team plans three or four warm-up matches prior to the World Cup, although the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has not yet disclosed their opponents. Coach Steve Tandy is actively assembling the squad, having held alignment camps with over 50 players, aiming to finalize a roster of 33 for the tournament.