Sydney announced as host of 2027 Rugby World Cup Final

Almost three years after Australia was confirmed to host the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, World Rugby has announced the tournament’s matches will be played across seven cities. Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, and Townsville will all play a role in hosting the tournament, as well as Sydney, where the final will be played.

2027 Rugby World Cup

The six-week tournament will feature 24 teams. The tournament’s final will return to Sydney’s Accor Stadium, 24 years after it hosted the 2003 World Cup final. England beat the Wallabies at that decider, courtesy of a Jonny Wilkinson field goal in the late stages of the match.

While there is plenty of rugby to be played between now and 2027, it’s almost certain two-time defending champions South Africa will come to Australia as tournament favourites. The Springboks will be hoping to become the first team since the tournament’s inception in 1987 to win the Webb Ellis Cup three consecutive times.

Qualification

Australia and 11 other teams (Argentina, England, Fiji, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales) have already earned automatic qualification for the tournament. The other 12 teams will be selected to join the tournament through qualifying matches in 2025. That will include four teams from Europe, one team from Asia, one team from Africa, one team from South America, three teams from the Pacific, and two additional teams decided through playoffs.

You have read 0 articles this year.

Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.

Broader impact

The event, part of Rugby Australia’s ‘golden decade’, is expected to attract more than 250,000 overseas visitors and generate $1.3 billion in visitor spending. The sporting body hopes that the 2027will play a significant role in helping it reach its goal of 200,000 participants in Australia by 2029.

What they said

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said: “We are delighted to reach another significant milestone on our journey to Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The selection of these incredible host cities reflects our commitment to bring [the] Rugby World Cup to as many Australians as possible”.

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson added: “It’s hard to put into words how significant a Rugby World Cup on home soil is, and to have the host cities confirmed brings another level of excitement and anticipation.”