Men's Rugby World Cup 2027

The Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 takes place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027. Matches are played in host cities across the country, including Sydney. According to World Rugby, it is the 11th edition of the tournament, with 24 nations competing in 52 matches. This guide is for rugby fans and for travel agencies planning trips to Australia for the Rugby World Cup.

About the Men's Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup is the top international tournament in rugby union. It is organised by World Rugby and held every four years. Teams first play in pools, and the best teams then go through to the knockout stages, ending with the final.

For 2027, World Rugby says the tournament will be the biggest edition yet, with 24 teams. The organiser also reported in 2026 that more than half of the available tickets had already been sold one year before the event. Teams will use outdoor training venues across Australia, and the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup is set to take place in Brisbane alongside the tournament.

Australia will also host the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2029. The full match schedule, pools and ticket information are on the official Rugby World Cup 2027 website.

Rugby World Cup 2027 dates and venue

The official Rugby World Cup 2027 dates are 1 October to 13 November 2027.

• Dates: 1 October – 13 November 2027
• Host country: Australia
• Organiser: World Rugby
• Format: 24 nations, 52 matches (as stated by World Rugby)

Matches take place in several host cities and stadiums around Australia. The official website lists the host cities and venues and publishes the full match schedule, so you can see where and when each team plays. Always check this schedule before planning an itinerary.

How to get to Australia for the Rugby World Cup

Australia is a large country, so the best airport depends on the matches your clients want to see. Sydney Airport (SYD) is one of the country's main international gateways. Other large international airports include Melbourne Airport (MEL), Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Perth Airport (PER).

Distances between host cities are long. Travelling between them usually means domestic flights rather than road or rail. Plan time for these connections, especially when following one team through the pool stage. Check the official entry requirements for Australia well before travel.

Where to stay

The best place to stay depends on the host city. General advice:

• Stay central: city-centre areas usually offer the best public transport links to stadiums.
• Near the stadium: if you look for hotels near Rugby World Cup venues, check that there is good transport for match days, as roads around stadiums can be closed or busy.
• In Sydney: the CBD and nearby districts are well connected to the city's main sporting venues.

World Rugby notes that the tournament takes place across Australia over six weeks, so demand will be high in host cities on match weekends. Book group rooms early.

Planning a group trip to the Rugby World Cup

A group tour to the Rugby World Cup 2027 needs careful timing. Advice for agencies:

• Tickets: buy Rugby World Cup 2027 tickets only through the official Rugby World Cup website, which has a "Tickets & Packages" section. The organiser has published tips for purchasing tickets.
• Choose a focus: many packages follow one national team through the pool stage, while others focus on the knockout weekends in October and November.
• Domestic travel: include domestic flights between host cities in your planning and costing.
• Package ideas: a Rugby World Cup travel package can include international and domestic flights, hotel nights, match tickets, airport and stadium transfers, and sightseeing in each host city.
• Season: October and November are spring in Australia. Advise clients on sun protection and changing weather.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Rugby World Cup 2027?

The Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 runs from 1 October to 13 November 2027 in Australia. The full match schedule, with dates and venues for every match, is on the official Rugby World Cup website.

Where is the Rugby World Cup 2027 held?

The tournament is held in Australia, with matches in several host cities and stadiums, including Sydney. The official website lists all host cities and venues.

How do I get tickets for the Rugby World Cup 2027?

Tickets are sold through the official Rugby World Cup website, in its "Tickets & Packages" section. World Rugby says more than half of the available tickets were sold a year before kick-off, so do not wait too long.

What is the nearest airport for Rugby World Cup matches in Sydney?

Sydney Airport (SYD) is the main airport for Sydney. Other host cities have their own airports, such as Brisbane (BNE), Melbourne (MEL) and Perth (PER).

How many teams play in the Rugby World Cup 2027?

According to World Rugby, 24 nations will compete in 52 matches, making it the largest Men's Rugby World Cup so far. It is the 11th edition of the tournament.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.