Tonga and Uruguay have secured their places in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Following the FIJI Water Flying Fijians' win over Samoa in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup, Tonga has qualified for the semi-finals and joins Fiji as the second nation from the Pacific Islands to secure its place at the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
Tonga’s strong start to their PNC campaign with a convincing 30-16 win over rivals Samoa in Nuku’alofa was enough to finish second in Pool A and secure a spot in the semi-finals together with defending champions Fiji.
The Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2025 not only crowns a champion but also serves as a pivotal pathway to the expanded 24-team Rugby World Cup in 2027.
With Fiji and Japan already pre-qualified from the Rugby World Cup 2023, the three best non-qualified teams secure direct passage to Australia 2027.
Tonga will take part in their 10th Rugby World Cup and aims to make history in Australia by reaching the knockout phase for the first time.
Tonga will now prepare for the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals, to be held in Denver, Colorado, next weekend.
Meanwhile, Uruguay secured its place after defeating Chile over two legs of the Sudamericano 2025 final.
Los Teros will now prepare to return to rugby’s biggest stage, continuing their proud tradition at the sport’s pinnacle event.
Tonga is currently ranked 17th, and Uruguay is ranked 16th, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup draws scheduled to take place in December 2025, where they will learn the identity of their pool opponents.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be hosted in Australia from the 1st of October to the 13th of November.
Source : World Rugby
