World Rugby and Rugby Australia have today officially unveiled the eight “state-of-the-art” venues that will play host to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
With the tournament expanding to 24 teams for the first time, the selection of venues ensures that world-class rugby will reach every major corner of Australia. From the iconic stadiums of Sydney and Brisbane to the modern marvels in Perth and Adelaide, the 2027 tournament is shaping up to be a coast-to-coast celebration of the sport.
Here are the eight cathedrals of sport where history will be made.
🏟️ The Official Venue List
The 2027 tournament will be contested across these eight stadiums:
| City | Venue | Capacity (Approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Stadium Australia | 82,500 |
| Sydney | Sydney Football Stadium | 42,500 |
| Brisbane | Brisbane Stadium (Suncorp) | 52,500 |
| Melbourne | Docklands Stadium | 53,343 |
| Perth | Perth Stadium (Optus) | 60,000 |
| Adelaide | Adelaide Oval | 53,500 |
| Newcastle | Newcastle Stadium | 30,000 |
| Townsville | North Queensland Stadium | 25,000 |
📍 Detailed Venue Breakdown
1. Stadium Australia (Sydney) — The Championship Stage
Capacity: 82,500
Key Matches: The Final, Semi-Finals, and Bronze Final
As the centerpiece of the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Stadium Australia is a venue that understands the weight of history. It remains the site of the highest attendance for any Rugby World Cup match (the 2003 Final). In 2027, the world’s eyes will return to Sydney’s Olympic Park for the tournament’s defining moments, including the Final where the Webb Ellis Cup will be hoisted.
2. Brisbane Stadium (Brisbane) — The Cauldron
Capacity: 52,500
Key Matches: Two Quarter-Finals, Two Round of 16 matches
Known locally as Lang Park, this is arguably the most intimidating rectangular stadium in the Southern Hemisphere. Its steep seating ensures that the roar of 50,000 fans feels like 100,000. It is a fitting choice for the high-stakes pressure of the Quarter-Finals, where the atmosphere can truly become a “16th man” for the home side.
3. Perth Stadium (Perth) — The Western Gateway
Capacity: 60,000
Key Matches: The Opening Match, Two Quarter-Finals
A high-tech marvel with a stunning “halo” roof and LED lighting, Perth Stadium will be the first impression many fans get of the tournament. Hosting the Opening Match allows the Western Australian capital to showcase its world-class facility to a global audience. Its scenic location on the Swan River makes the matchday walk one of the most beautiful in world sport.
4. Docklands Stadium (Melbourne) — The Urban Arena
Capacity: 53,343
Key Matches: Two Round of 16 matches, Six Pool matches
Situated in Melbourne’s vibrant Docklands precinct, this stadium features a fully retractable roof. This guarantees a fast, dry-track surface regardless of the weather—perfect for the expansive, attacking rugby that fans love. Its proximity to the city center makes it the ultimate “city-break” venue for traveling international fans.
5. Adelaide Oval (Adelaide) — The Heritage Ground
Capacity: 53,500
Key Matches: Two Round of 16 matches, Three Pool matches
Often cited as the most beautiful stadium in the world, Adelaide Oval seamlessly blends the historic (the northern grass mound and old scoreboard) with the modern (stunning new grandstands). It will provide a picturesque backdrop for the start of the knockout stages, offering a unique “garden city” atmosphere to the tournament.
6. Sydney Football Stadium (Sydney) — The Boutique Experience
Capacity: 42,500
Key Matches: Two Round of 16 matches, Three Pool matches
Rebuilt from the ground up and reopened in 2022, this is the newest venue in the 2027 lineup. It was designed specifically for rectangular sports, ensuring that every seat—from the front row to the very back—feels close to the action. It offers a premium, modern experience for those watching the Round of 16 in Sydney.
7. Newcastle Stadium (Newcastle) — The Heartland Hub
Capacity: 30,000
Key Matches: Four Pool Matches
Newcastle is the heartbeat of regional New South Wales rugby. This venue offers a raw, vocal, and high-intensity atmosphere that only a dedicated regional hub can provide. By bringing four pool matches here, the tournament honors the grassroots fans who form the backbone of the sport in Australia.
8. North Queensland Stadium (Townsville) — The Tropical Fortress
Capacity: 25,000
Key Matches: Four Pool Matches
The northernmost point of RWC 2027, this stadium’s architecture is inspired by the Pandanus tree. Townsville offers a unique tropical setting, where fans can enjoy world-class rugby in a holiday-like atmosphere. It is expected to be a favorite destination for fans looking to combine a love for the game with the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
🏉 A New Format for a New Era
The 2027 World Cup will feature 24 teams (up from 20), meaning more matches and more opportunities for emerging rugby nations to shine on the big stage. The reduced window of six weeks (seven weekends) promises a high-tempo tournament that will keep fans engaged from the opening whistle to the final trophy lift.
✈️ Planning Your 2027 Sports Tour
- The Travel: Australia is vast. If you plan on following a specific team, be prepared for internal flights between regions like Perth and the East Coast.
- The Climate: The tournament will take place during the Australian winter/early spring. While the northern venues (Townsville/Brisbane) will be mild and sunny, southern cities like Melbourne and Adelaide can be quite crisp.
- The Atmosphere: Australians are world-renowned hosts. Expect “Live Sites” and fan hubs in every host city, particularly around the iconic Sydney Harbour and Brisbane’s South Bank.
🎟️ Ticket Information
The next major milestone for fans will be the official announcement of the match schedule and ticket prices on Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
Following this announcement, supporters will have an opportunity to secure their place at the tournament during an exclusive two-week Presale starting on 18 February 2026 at 12:00 AEDT. Historically, Rugby World Cups in Australia have seen unprecedented demand, so fans are encouraged to register their interest via official channels early to ensure they don’t miss out on these key dates.
Stay tuned to Sports Tourist as we build out our comprehensive travel guides for every host city in the lead-up to 2027!
For the full official announcement, visit Rugby World Cup Official Site.
Last Updated on January 22, 2026 by Sports Tourist
