World Rugby reveals host cities for World Cup 2027

01/30/2025 01:41 AM

NEWS: World Rugby has officially unveiled the seven host cities for World Cup 2027.

The World Cup will run from October 1 to November 13 with the Final being staged in Sydney.

According to Australian media, Sydney's Olympic Stadium is set to be the venue for the final match.

Among the notable inclusions in the host list is Melbourne, which will welcome nine games to Victoria, including two round-of-16 matches.

There is potential for those fixtures to take place at both the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Melbourne's success in winning hosting rights comes despite concerns Victoria would not be involved at all as a result of the fallout stemming from the collapse of Super Rugby's Melbourne Rebels.

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"It wouldn't be a World Cup without going to the 'G'," said World Rugby chair Brett Robinson.

"Nine matches in Melbourne is fantastic and they are participating in a significant way in this tournament."

Brisbane has won eight games, including two quarterfinals, while regional areas such as Townsville and Newcastle will take in pool games.

Perth, which will host the opening match of the tournament, and Adelaide were among the other successful cities.

But Canberra, home of Super Rugby's Brumbies, did not get over the line.

"It's disappointing that we haven't got the stadium [in Canberra]," said Robinson, who captained the Brumbies in their inaugural Super Rugby season.

"I've got a few chips on the shoulder, as most Brumbies do and we haven't quite got the stadium.

"Playing at home in Canberra is a wonderful place to play the game. It's just we haven't got the facilities really for a tournament of this scale, which is a big disappointment."

Sydney dominated Thursday's announcement with the Harbour city winning five pool matches, two round-of-16 matches, two quarterfinals, two semifinals, the bronze final and the World Cup Final.

The tournament schedule will be finalised after the conclusion of qualifiers later this year.

RWC 2027 HOST CITIES MATCH ALLOCATION:

Adelaide - five pool matches

Brisbane - six pool matches, two round-of-16 matches, two quarter-finals

Melbourne - seven pool matches, two round-of-16 matches

Newcastle - four pool matches

Perth - five pool matches (including the opening match), two round-of-16 matches

Sydney - five pool matches, two round-of-16 matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, the bronze final and the RWC final.

Townsville - four pool matches

@WorldRugby & AFP