2027 Rugby World Cup
October 1, 2027 – November 13, 2027 AEST
The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle of international men’s rugby union, first contested in 1987 and played every four years. It features the world’s elite national teams competing for the Webb Ellis Trophy. Just four nations have previously won the trophy: New Zealand and South Africa (three times), Australia (twice), and England (once). The previous tournament was held in 2023 in France.
When is the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
The 11th Rugby World Cup tournament will be held in Australia from Friday, October 1, 2027, through to the Final on Saturday, November 13, 2027.
Where is the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is being hosted in Australia, the third time the nation has held the tournament after jointly hosting with New Zealand in 1987 and solely in 2003. The following venues in seven cities have been shortlisted:
- Adelaide – Adelaide Oval (Capacity – 52,500)
- Brisbane – Lang Park (Capacity – 52,500)
- Melbourne – Docklands Stadium (Capacity – 47,000)
- Melbourne – Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (Capacity – 33,000)
- Newcastle – Newcastle International Sports Centre (Capacity – 30,500)
- Perth – Perth Stadium (Capacity – 65,000)
- Sydney – Stadium Australia (Capacity – 83,500)
- Sydney – Sydney Football Stadium (Capacity – 45,000)
- Sydney – Western Sydney Stadium (Capacity – 30,000)
- Townsville – North Queensland Stadium (Capacity – 25,000)
Who is competing in the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature an expanded format with 24 nations competing, up from the 20 that played in 2023.
Twelve nations qualified automatically based on their performance in the 2023 edition: Australia (Hosts), Argentina, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales. The remaining 12 spaces will be decided through a series of regional qualifiers and play-off tournaments.
The Pool Draw took place on the 3rd December 2025, confirming the six groups.
| Pool A | New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China |
| Pool B | South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania |
| Pool C | Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada |
| Pool D | Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal |
| Pool E | France, Japan, USA, Samoa |
| Pool F | England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe |
How do I get to the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
There are major international airports at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast, Cairns, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin. Between them, they serve the majority of the world’s destinations.
Thinking of flying? Search & book your flights through Skyscanner here.
How do I get tickets to the 2027 Rugby World Cup?
Ticket information for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been released, providing key dates for securing your seats. Over 2.5 million tickets are available, with over one million tickets priced under AUD$100. Ticket prices for adults start from AUD$40 for pool matches.
Key Ticketing Dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time – AEDT):
| Event | Date / Window | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Presale Eligibility Deadline | Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 12:00 AEDT | Fans must create an official ticketing account before this deadline to qualify for the exclusive presale window. |
| Exclusive Presale Window | Wednesday, February 18 to Wednesday, March 4, 2026 | Tickets for all 52 matches, including the Opening Match and the Final, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. |
| Match Schedule Announcement | Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | The full schedule detailing all venues and kick-off times will be confirmed prior to the presale launch. |
Ticket Buying Action Points:
- Official Channels: To avoid disappointment and scams, only purchase match tickets, travel packages, and hospitality from official sources.
- Register Early: Create your official RWC 2027 ticketing account at the official website before the eligibility deadline to access the presale.
Where to Stay during the 2027 Rugby World Cup
Use TripAdvisor to find some great places to stay in Australia by clicking here.
Further Information
Rugby World Cup Official Website
Last Updated on December 3, 2025 by Sports Tourist