The Springboks have been drawn in Pool B for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The four-time winners, targeting an unprecedented hat-trick of titles, will face Italy, Georgia and Romania in the pool stage of the expanded 24-team global showpiece.
The Boks have faced all three pool opponents in World Cups before – Romania in 1995 and 1999, Georgia in 2003, and Italy in 2019.
“We are pleased with the pool we have been drawn in, but this is a World Cup, and every team will go out there with great passion and do their utmost to represent their nations with pride,” said Bok coach Rassie Erasmus. “There have been surprises in the tournament before, so we’ll need to be up mentally and physically for every match.
“Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but they showed us what they are capable of when they hit their straps earlier this season, even though the scorelines may not have reflected that.
“Georgia and Romania are also extremely physical and passionate teams, and we’ve faced them before, so we know how tough they can be on the day if we give them space and opportunities to play to their potential.”
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Meanwhile, hosts Australia are set to open the tournament with a blockbuster Pool A clash against the All Blacks in Perth on 1 October 2027.
Ireland have been grouped with Scotland in Pool D, and England and Wales are in Group F along with Zimbabwe, set to make their first World Cup appearance since 1991.
France and Argentina will be expected to top Pool C and Pool E respectively have received favourable draws.
The top two teams in each pool, plus the four best third-placed teams, will reach the round-of-16 knockout stage.
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