Two years from today, the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup in history will kick off in Australia.
The tournament will be staged at venues across Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, culminating with the Final at Accor Australia in Sydney.
Proudly supported by Destination NSW, Sydney will also host five pool matches, two round of 16 matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals amd the bronze final, while Newcastle will host four pool matches.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the biggest sporting event on Australian soil since the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games closing ceremony 25 years ago today.
The tournament is expected to inject more than $610 million into the NSW visitor economy, drawing visitors from around the world and showcasing the state on a global stage.
The matches will be attended by sell-out crowds and watched by millions of TV viewers around the globe, providing immeasurable marketing impact for NSW.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 confirmed 3 December 2025 as the date of the Rugby World Cup Draw for the 24 teams participating.
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “With only two years until the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever, I’m thrilled to see the tournament draw date revealed.
"The draw brings the potential match ups to life, rivalries are set and fans across the globe can envision the unforgettable rugby that awaits.
“Expanding Men’s Rugby World Cup to 24 teams is a landmark moment for our sport. It means more nations, more matches, and more opportunities for fans around the world to connect with rugby."
Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley said: “Two years from today, Australia will be at the centre of the sporting world as the biggest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever kicks off. The countdown is well and truly on, and excitement is building.
“The Draw on 3 December will be the next major milestone — the moment when fans and players alike discover who they’ll be facing in the pool phase. From there, anticipation will only grow as we
move towards unveiling the match schedule and opening ticket sales in February 2026.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australians to be part of a truly international celebration and for the global rugby community to share in an incredible Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.”
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 confirmed 3 December 2025 as the date of the Rugby World Cup Draw and revealed details of the new
competition format.
On the evening of 3 December, 2025, the 24 qualified teams will discover their pool stage opponents, with the live draw event to be broadcast in Australia on Channel Nine, on international
broadcasters and RugbyPass TV.
This marks the first time all competing teams will be known at the time of the RWC Draw, with the 24th and final qualifier to be determined at November’s Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai (8-18 November).
The tournament will feature six pools of four teams, with the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November internationals used to create four bands of six teams, with each band drawn
randomly into Pool A, B, C, D, E or F.
The top two teams from each pool plus the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the knockout phase, allowing more nations to reach that stage, ensuring every match counts and bringing more entertainment to the competition.
The first-ever Men’s Rugby World Cup round of 16 will see the winners of Pool A, B, C and D play the four best thirds, winners of Pool E and F will face the runners-up from Pool D and B, with the runners-up in Pool A and C to meet the second-placed teams from Pool E and F.
The qualification process is almost complete, with 23 teams now confirmed after Chile defeated Samoa in the South America/Pacific play-off on Saturday, 27 September in Viña del Mar. The final
remaining spot will be determined at the Final Qualification Tournament from 8-18 November in Dubai.
“The introduction of a round of 16 will deliver even more knockout rugby, ensuring every match counts and every team has the chance to make history," Robinson said.
"Importantly, we’ve been able to achieve this within a streamlined tournament window that protects player welfare while enhancing the
spectacle. This is a huge step forward for rugby and a reflection of the game’s global growth.”
Fans will have two initial opportunities to secure their place at the tournament’s 11th edition, with the first tickets going on sale following the release of the match schedule early next year.
First, in February 2026, a closed presale will open for fans who have registered their interest. All matches and all price categories will be available during this presale.
Then, in May 2026, a three-week general application phase will open to all supporters worldwide, offering the chance to request tickets for any match with a ballot system implemented for oversubscribed price categories to ensure fairness.
Learn more here.
