Thursday, February 5

Rugby World Cup 2027: Australia to host expanded 24‑team tournament

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Introduction

The rugby world cup 2027 marks a major moment for international rugby, as Australia prepares to stage the first 24‑team men’s tournament. Running from 1 October to 13 November 2027, the event expands the global showpiece and increases opportunities for emerging nations, while promising a packed schedule of high‑profile fixtures across seven Australian cities.

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Format and schedule

The 2027 tournament introduces an expanded format: 24 teams organised into six pools of four. Across the competition there will be 52 matches featuring an estimated 792 players. The tournament kicks off on Friday 1 October and concludes with the final on 13 November 2027, offering more fixtures and broader representation than previous editions.

Qualified teams and the draw

Automatic qualifiers include reigning champions South Africa, three‑time winners New Zealand, and former champions England, along with France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, Argentina and Japan. Regional qualifiers confirmed for the expanded field include Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, the United States, Uruguay, Chile, Samoa, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong China.

The official draw was staged from Sydney on 3 December 2025 and streamed live by World Rugby, with commentary and hosting from prominent figures including World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, All Blacks legend Dan Carter, former Wallabies captain James Slipper and Olympic sevens gold medallist Alicia Lucas.

Venues and cities

Fifty‑two matches will be held across seven host cities: Adelaide | Tarntanya, Brisbane | Meeanjin, Melbourne | Narrm, Newcastle | Awabakal‑Worimi, Perth | Boorloo, Sydney | Gadigal and Townsville | Gurambilbarra. The geographically diverse spread aims to bring matches to major population centres and regional audiences, highlighting stadiums and local rugby cultures across Australia.

Conclusion

The rugby world cup 2027 represents both growth and opportunity for the sport: a larger tournament with more matches, wider international participation and a strong Australian host programme. Fans should expect intense competition, high ticket demand and expanded broadcast coverage. For emerging nations, the expanded format offers a platform to compete on rugby’s biggest stage, while hosts and organisers will be judged on delivery across seven cities during the six‑week spectacle.

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