2027 Rugby World Cup Schedule Unveiled for Australia

The schedule for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, set to be hosted in Australia, has been released, detailing key fixtures and the tournament structure. The event will begin on October 1, 2027, with an expanded format featuring 24 teams. The opening match will see host nation Australia play Hong Kong in Perth.

Tournament Overview and Key Dates

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature 24 teams for the first time in its history. The tournament is designed with a "weekend focused" approach, incorporating three blocks of 12 matches from Friday to Monday during the pool stages to maximize global impact and attendance. A "Super Sunday" on October 17 will host five fixtures.

The first tickets for the event are scheduled to become available on February 18.

World Rugby chair, Brett Robinson, stated that the organization "assembled the most compelling match schedule to date, carefully designed to balance player welfare, fan experience and global reach."

Opening Fixtures and Pool Stage Highlights

The tournament will commence on October 1 with Australia facing Hong Kong in Perth. Hong Kong will be making its first appearance in a Rugby World Cup.

Other notable early fixtures include:

• Australia vs. New Zealand: Scheduled for October 9 in Sydney.
• South Africa vs. Italy: The only fixture involving two Tier-one nations on the opening weekend.
• England's Campaign:
  • October 2 in Brisbane against Tonga.
  • October 8 in Adelaide against Zimbabwe.
  • October 16 in Sydney against Wales.
  • Zimbabwe will be participating in the World Cup for the first time since 1991.
• Ireland vs. Scotland: Scheduled for October 10 in Perth.
• Australia vs. Chile: Scheduled for October 16 in Brisbane. This will be the first time Australia plays Chile, with Chile making its second World Cup appearance.

England's head coach, Steve Borthwick, commented on the clarity the schedule provides for planning, noting that being based across Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney offers opportunities to play in "three outstanding stadiums in a country rich in rugby and World Cup history."

2027 Rugby World Cup Pools

The 24 participating teams are divided into six pools:

• Pool A: New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong
• Pool B: South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
• Pool C: Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
• Pool D: Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
• Pool E: France, Japan, USA, Samoa
• Pool F: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

Knockout Stage Progression

The top two teams from each pool will advance to the knockout stage, along with the four best third-placed teams across all groups.

Potential knockout stage paths for Australia:

• If Australia finishes second in Pool A, they would face the Pool F runners-up in their initial knockout match. Pool F includes England, Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe.
• If Australia wins Pool A, they would play the third-placed team from Pool C, E, or F in the round of 16.