The 11th edition of the Rugby World Cup is set to kick off on October 1, 2027, in Australia, featuring a record 24 teams competing over six weeks. The tournament will be held in seven cities: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Townsville, and Newcastle. This year's event is expected to smash attendance records, with 2.5 million tickets available, surpassing the 2.4 million fans who attended the 2023 World Cup in France.
Demand for tickets has been strong, with over 750,000 pre-sale tickets snapped up by fans from 135 countries. The most in-demand games so far have been Australia vs. New Zealand, England vs. Wales, Ireland vs. Scotland, and knockout phase clashes. World Rugby chief Brett Robinson expressed optimism, stating that the ticket sales are a "really good signal" and that the event is shaping up to be "a party like nothing on Earth."
The tournament format has been changed to accommodate 24 teams, with six pools of four teams instead of the traditional four pools of five teams. South Africa, the current champions, are favorites to win again, having recently completed a 3-1 series win against New Zealand. The Springboks face Italy, Georgia, and Romania in Pool B, while New Zealand, bidding for their first title since 2015, are in Pool A with Australia, Chile, and debutants Hong Kong.
Other top teams have also been drawn in their respective pools, with Ireland in Pool D with Scotland, Uruguay, and Portugal, and France in Pool E alongside Japan, USA, and Samoa. England, the 2003 champions, are in Pool F with Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe. The event is expected to be an economic windfall for Rugby Australia, which posted a monster operating surplus this year.
Rugby Australia chairman Daniel Herbert said hosting the World Cup is a "generational opportunity," with the national body hoping to bank around Aus$100 million (US$70 million). The event will also set the stage for the 2029 women's World Cup. With the draw set, teams are preparing for what promises to be an exciting tournament.
Despite being favorites, South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus is taking nothing for granted, stating that there have been surprises in the tournament before and that his team will need to be up mentally and physically for every match. New Zealand captain Scott Barrett echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the need for teams to peak at the right time.
The next batch of tickets is due for release this week, and fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to secure their seats. With strong ticket sales and a star-studded lineup, the 2027 Rugby World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event.
Key points
- The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature a record 24 teams competing over six weeks in Australia.
- Over 750,000 pre-sale tickets have been snapped up by fans from 135 countries.
- The event is expected to smash attendance records, with 2.5 million tickets available.
