Tournament Overview

The Rugby World Cup 2027 marks a historic return to Australia, 24 years after the Wallabies hosted and England triumphed in the 2003 tournament. From October through November 2027, the world's best rugby nations will compete across Australia's premier stadiums for the sport's ultimate prize - the Webb Ellis Cup.

Key Dates

• October 1, 2027 - Tournament opening ceremony in Perth
• October-November 2027 - Pool stage matches across all host cities
• Late October 2027 - Quarter-finals in Brisbane and other major venues
• Early November 2027 - Semi-finals at Sydney's Accor Stadium
• November 15, 2027 - Final at Accor Stadium, Sydney

Host Cities & Venues

Nine Australian cities will welcome the world for Rugby World Cup 2027. Each city offers unique experiences and world-class facilities.

Participating Teams

Twenty-four nations will compete for the Webb Ellis Cup. The tournament features automatic qualifiers from RWC 2023 plus teams earning spots through regional qualification.

Expected Contenders

• South Africa - Defending champions, targeting third consecutive title
• New Zealand - Three-time champions, most successful nation in RWC history
• Ireland - World's number one ranked team heading into qualification
• France - Runners-up 2023, powerful squad
• England - 2003 champions in Australia, seeking redemption
• Australia - Tournament hosts, 1991 and 1999 champions

Tickets & Pricing

Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets go on sale through official channels and authorized resellers like GoalTickets. Pricing varies by match importance and seat location.

How to Attend

International Travel

Australia welcomes visitors from around the world. Major international airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth offer direct flights from Europe, Asia, Americas, and Africa. Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or appropriate visa.

Accommodation

Book accommodation early as host cities will be in high demand. Options range from luxury hotels near venues to budget hostels and serviced apartments. Consider staying in nearby suburbs with good public transport connections.

Transportation

All host cities have excellent public transport. Match day shuttle services typically connect transport hubs to stadiums. Domestic flights between cities are frequent and affordable for those attending matches in multiple locations.

Weather

October-November is spring in Australia. Expect mild to warm temperatures (15-25°C / 59-77°F) with occasional rain. Sydney, Brisbane, and northern cities will be warmer, while Melbourne and southern cities may be cooler.

Tournament Format

Rugby World Cup follows a two-stage format proven over ten previous tournaments.

Pool Stage

Twenty-four teams divided into four pools of six teams. Each team plays five pool matches. Top two teams from each pool advance to quarter-finals.

Knockout Stage

Eight teams compete in single-elimination knockout matches. Quarter-finals determine semi-final matchups, with winners advancing to the championship final at Sydney's Accor Stadium on November 15, 2027.

History of RWC in Australia

Australia has rich Rugby World Cup history, hosting matches in 1987 (co-host with New Zealand) and the entire 2003 tournament. The 2003 final at what is now Accor Stadium remains one of rugby's greatest matches, with England's Jonny Wilkinson scoring a dramatic extra-time drop goal to defeat Australia 20-17 before 82,957 fans.

Australia has won the Webb Ellis Cup twice (1991, 1999) and appeared in four finals total, making the Wallabies one of rugby's most successful nations. The 2027 tournament offers Australia another chance to lift the trophy on home soil.

Additional Resources