Henry Pollock delivers verdict after 2027 Rugby World Cup draw

Speaking to former England footballer Jamie Redknapp on 

Sky Sports, Pollock said: “It’s a dream to play in front of fans. I love entertaining people. I love playing in front of the big crowds.”

Watch the Guinness Six Nations at your local Greene King sports pub.

Pollock, who has earned a place on the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia, will now be determined to cement his role in Steve Borthwick’s England setup, with the 2027 World Cup fast approaching.

Redknapp asked the rising star about the squad’s ambitions with just a year-and-a-half remaining until the tournament.

“Steve’s [Borthwick] come in, and he’s created an amazing group around us, and we have a massive belief that this is a special group. We’ve got amazing talent across the board that we’re going to hopefully do something special,” he said.

“The World Cup’s on the horizon, so we’re building towards that. Every game is just building towards that.

“We talked about the goal, the 2027 World Cup. So, yeah, we can’t wait to see where we go in the Six Nations and in the summer.”

He added: “Winning the 2027 World Cup is the goal!”

Each of the six pools featured a team from Bands 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The confirmed Bands based on rankings were:

Band 1: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Argentina
Band 2: Australia, Fiji, Scotland, Italy, Wales, Japan
Band 3: Georgia, Uruguay, Spain, USA, Chile, Tonga
Band 4: Samoa, Portugal, Romania, Hong Kong China, Zimbabwe, Canada

New Zealand – Perennial contenders with flair, power and unmatched rugby IQ.
Australia – Unpredictable but dangerous, capable of brilliance on their day.
Chile – Fast-improving newcomers bringing passion and fearless physicality.
Hong Kong China – Skillful, energetic, and eager to prove themselves on the global stage.

South Africa – Brutal, relentless, and brutally efficient—never count them out.
Italy – Developing rapidly, mixing strong set-piece work with expanding ambition.
Georgia – Scrum specialists with raw forward strength and growing all-round polish.
Romania – Proud and powerful, known for toughness and unwavering fight.

Argentina – Dynamic, crafty, and fiercely competitive with a never-say-die spirit.
Fiji – Magical offloads, searing pace, and unique unpredictability.
Spain – Determined climbers building consistency and confidence every year.
Canada – Physical and committed, working to regain their traditional sharpness.

Ireland – Well-drilled, intelligent, and ruthlessly efficient across the park.
Scotland – Creative attackers with growing confidence and slick backline play.
Uruguay – Tenacious, organized, and fearless against bigger rugby nations.
Portugal – Exciting, fast-paced, and thriving with a young, fearless core.

France – Electric, unpredictable, and capable of brilliance from anywhere.
Japan – High-tempo, disciplined, and tactically sharp—they never stop moving.
USA – Athletic and physical, with a growing pool of exciting talent.
Samoa – Bone-shaking tackles, powerful runners, and trademark island flair.

England – Structured, strategic, and capable of grinding down any opponent.
Wales – Proud, passionate, and dangerous when the momentum swings their way.
Tonga – Heavy hitters with explosive power and fearless intensity.
Zimbabwe – Energetic and ambitious, bringing speed and spirit to every contest.

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!