The former Stadium Australia at Homebush will play host to another RWC grand final. Photo: ANDREW KACIMAIWAI
Sydney will host the grand final of the 2027 men’s Rugby World Cup after the host cities were confirmed by the sport’s governing body.
And Perth will play host to the tournament’s opening match on October 1, 2027.
Sydney will host the decider for the second time, on November 13, with 52 games to be played, four more than the last Cup, World Rugby says.
“It’s great to see NSW come out on top, securing hosting rights to (the) men’s Rugby World Cup 2027,” NSW Premier Chris Minns says.
“To all those keen rugby fans across the globe, it’s time to lock in your travel plans.”
NSW and Queensland are set to be the big winners with Newcastle and Townsville also hosting pool games in the expanded tournament.
World Rugby says a Wallabies game will kick off the tournament in Perth on October 1, 2027; the WA capital will host four other pool matches and two round-of-16 matches.
Despite talk that Victoria may miss out due to the axing of the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby side, Melbourne will host seven pool games and two round-of-16 matches.
Adelaide will host five pool games in 2027.
Canberra, which hosted games in 2003, missed out on any matches this time round due to a lack of suitable stadia, World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson (a former ACT Brumbies player) says.
REACTION
Qld Minister for Sport Tim Mander says the announcement is a major coup for the state while Tourism Minister Andrew Powell says Queensland will be “front-and-centre” of the action in 2027.
Victoria’s Sport, Tourism and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos welcomed his state’s inclusion.
“International rugby has a wonderful history here. We’ve seen huge interest in the Bledisloe Cup in recent years and the British and Irish Lions tour in July 2025 promises to be huge. There’s no doubt the World Cup will be a major drawcard in 2027.”
WA Premier Roger Cook says hosting the games, including the opener, “is a defining moment for Perth”.
Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman says the tournament opener will be the largest sporting event to be held in WA.
“It is our world-class event and sporting infrastructure – developed over many years – that positions us perfectly to welcome elite rugby players to our shores.
“The Rugby World Cup 2027 is sure to be one for the history books. The WA Government is thrilled to have secured such premium match content that will showcase our incredible city and transform the future of rugby in WA for generations to come.”
The larger tournament will feature six pools of four teams each plus preliminary pool games.
HOST CITIES
Adelaide: Five pool games.
Brisbane: Six pool games, two round-of-16 games and two quarter-final games.
Melbourne: Seven pool games and two round-of-16 games.
Newcastle: Four pool games.
Perth: Five pool games and two round-of-16 games.
Sydney: Five pool games, two round-of-16 games, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, third place play-off and the grand final.
Townsville: four pool games.
