By Mahlon Lichuma
The Rugby World Cup 2027 draw has sparked a wave of bold declarations, emotional reflections and unfiltered ambition from coaches and legends across the rugby world, setting the tone for a tournament already shaping up to be one of the most compelling in history.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones set the tempo with a clear statement of intent, declaring that the Brave Blossoms are targeting nothing less than a top-four finish.
“We want to be the team that everyone wants to watch at the World Cup,” Jones said. “We’re going to have to play above ourselves, but there is no reason why we can’t achieve something extraordinary.”
Romania’s David Gérard delivered one of the most powerful messages of the day, refusing to let the weight of playing the world champion Springboks intimidate his squad.
“If we prepare to play South Africa as if it’s a dream, it will be a nightmare,” he warned. “Respecting rugby means competing with them. I’m not taking tourists to Australia, I want players ready to sacrifice themselves for three games.”
For Hong Kong China, the draw is both a challenge and a fairy tale. Head coach Logan Asplin, a New Zealander set to face the All Blacks, called it his “dream draw.”
“We’re staking a claim to be everyone’s second favourite team,” he said. “To face New Zealand and the hosts in front of big crowds you couldn’t script it better.”
Emotions ran high within the Spanish camp as well. Head coach Pablo Bouza, previously an Argentina assistant, admitted he hoped to avoid the Pumas for personal reasons, while captain Jon Zabala joked about the awkwardness of facing close friend and teammate Julián Montoya.
Rugby great Dan Carter praised the expanded six-pool format and weighed in on New Zealand’s development under Scott Robertson.
“They’ve built depth, but they know there’s still work to be done,” he said. Carter also celebrated Samoa’s qualification, noting their determination “not just to make up the numbers” but to produce “the big upsets” of 2027.
English