Rassie Erasmus is inclined to prioritize South Africa’s shot at an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title than the new Nations Championship next year.

"Well, and you've got to say, if it's not an administrative cock-up, what is it? It's certainly not a draw that other sports would be proud of."

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt could be the centre of a trans-Tasman tug-of-war after Australia and New Zealand were pitted in the same group at a Rugby World Cup for the very first time.

Rassie Erasmus will coach South Africa to the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the United States after his contract was extended by four years.

The Springboks have extended coach Rassie Erasmus’ contract until the end of the 2031 Rugby World Cup in the USA.

With just under two years until the tournament begins, ESPN has looked to AI to analyse and determine who will be crowned the 2027 Rugby World Cup champions.

Eben Etzebeth’s suspension has been shortened, and World Rugby has outlined four reasons for the decision to reduce the Springboks star's ban from 18 games to 12.

All Blacks boss Scott Robertson has given his verdict on the Rugby World Cup draw and the possibility of facing the Springboks in the quarter-finals. New Zealand have potentially been handed a particularly tough route to glory with wins against South Africa and France most likely being needed if they are to reach the showpiece event.

The 2027 men's Rugby World Cup has officially crossed the two-year countdown with 24 teams set to contest the largest tournament in the sport's history, while the draw has been set for Wednesday Dec. 3.