One year to go until Australia hosts Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027

Today marks one year to go until the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 when the nation will welcome the best rugby nations and fans from around the world for the sport's showpiece event.

Image of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 1 Year to go wording. Under is the Webb Ellis Cup – the trophy awarded to the winning nation surrounded by players from many of the World Cup competing countries

Beginning on 1 October 2027, the 6-week tournament held across 7 host cities will be the largest Men’s Rugby World Cup ever held. For the first time it will feature 24 teams competing in 52 matches with the final to be held in Sydney on 13 November 2027.

It will be the first Men’s Rugby World Cup on Australian soil since 2003, when the Wallabies reached the final. The Wallabies will be looking to build on their proud Rugby World Cup history, having won the tournament twice, in 1991 and 1999.

The Australian Government is proud to have committed $90 million to support the delivery and legacy programs across both the 2027 Men’s and 2029 Women’s tournament and beyond.

This includes $30 million of legacy funding across Australia and the Pacific to help extend the benefits of hosting beyond the final match, including:

  • Rugby Domestic Legacy Program, supporting participation and capability across Australian rugby through new and expanded competitions, facility upgrades, and the development of coaches, referees and officials, with a focus on increasing opportunities for women and girls.
  • Community Rugby Legacy Equipment Program, providing equipment bundles to support over 600 clubs nationwide helping strengthen participation, enhance safety and build a lasting legacy.
  • Impact Beyond Pasifika, delivered by Rugby Australia with World Rugby and Oceania Rugby, to grow rugby in the Pacific and create more opportunities for women and girls to play.

By 2029, rugby participation in Australia is expected to grow by about 220,000 participants, reflecting the impact major sporting events can have on communities and grassroots sport.

Supporting the tournament aligns with the priorities of Australia’s National Sport Strategy, Sport Horizon, and will help deliver lasting community benefits while supporting a more active, connected region.

As part of Australia’s green and gold decade of major sporting events, the tournament continues to build momentum towards the Brisbane 2032 Games while showcasing rugby on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

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