Italy to face potential RWC opponents in November after Samoa withdraw

Samoa have withdrawn from their Autumn Nations Series fixture with Italy, scheduled for November 22 in Genoa, in order to focus on the Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Qualification Tournament, World Rugby have confirmed.

The Azzurri will instead host Chile, who recently defeated Samoa 31-12 at Viña del Mar’s Estadio Sausalito to become the 23rd team to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The victory came after a first-leg 32-32 draw in the United States in the Pacific/Sudamérica qualifying play-off.

Samoa will now travel to Dubai in search of the 24th and final qualification spot for the World Cup, where they will face Belgium, Namibia and one of Brazil or Paraguay in the tournament between November 8-18. The two South American outfits will face each other across two legs over the coming days to determine who will travel to Dubai.

The decision to change the fixture has been agreed upon by all three unions and ratified by World Rugby.

The meeting in northern Italy will be the first Test between the two nations, who could possibly meet again at the World Cup, with the draw for the pools set to take place on Wednesday, December 3. Italy, who are ranked 10th in the world, are currently in band two (for teams ranked between 7 and 12), while Chile, ranked 17th, are currently in band three (for teams ranked between 13 and 18). Then again, a victory for Los Cóndores on Italian soil could change the make-up of the world rankings dramatically.

World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are deeply appreciative of the collaboration and understanding shown by all unions involved, the FIR and Six Nations Rugby for for accommodating the schedule adjustment. Chile, fresh from qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2027, are an exciting and fast-emerging force in world rugby and will embrace the opportunity to face Italy in this historic Test.

“While we appreciate that it’s disappointing for Samoa fans not to see their team in action in Europe in November, at the same time we fully recognise that they must focus their efforts and resources on the Rugby World Cup 2027 final qualification tournament”.

Chief Executive Officer at Six Nations Rugby Tom Harrison added: “Thanks to Italy for accommodating the change to their fixture. Chile are an exciting addition to the November window, bringing their culture and identity into the Series, whilst offering them a huge opportunity to develop as they build towards the Rugby World Cup in Australia.”

FIR President Andrea Duodo said: “We welcome this change in the calendar as a great opportunity to bring a brand-new challenge to the international stage, in a city with a deep passion for sport. Genoa has hosted some historic Test matches since the 1930s and is home to a proud South American community, who we are sure will join our fans in creating an unparalleled atmosphere at the Ferraris Stadium — the perfect setting for a fantastic rugby match.”

Samoa found themselves facing Chile after failing to register a win at this year’s Pacific Nations Cup, finishing bottom of the standings. Chile, meanwhile, reached the final of the South American qualification tournament, losing to Uruguay on aggregate in the two-leg final following a win apiece. Chile defeated Brazil in the semi-finals and Uruguay triumphed over Paraguay, hence why the two losers will imminently battle it out for third place and a place in the final qualification tournament.

Chile’s qualification means they will be returning to the World Cup having made it for the first time in 2023.