Quick Read
- The 2027 Rugby World Cup full match schedule has been released, detailing 52 matches across seven Australian cities.
- The opening match will feature hosts Australia (Wallabies) against debutants Hong Kong China in Perth on October 1, 2027.
- Key fixtures include New Zealand vs. Chile, Ireland vs. Scotland in Perth, and Australia vs. New Zealand in Sydney.
- The USA Men’s Eagles will play France, Samoa, and Japan across Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.
- An exclusive ticket presale opens on February 18, 2026, requiring registration by February 17, 2026.
PERTH (Azat TV) – The full match schedule for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia has been officially released, outlining the tournament’s blockbuster opening clash, key fixtures across seven host cities, and critical information for fans looking to secure tickets. This announcement, made in February 2026, shifts the focus from host nation preparations to specific match-ups and travel planning, generating significant excitement globally.
The highly anticipated tournament, set to feature 24 nations, will kick off on Friday, October 1, 2027, with hosts Australia, known as the Wallabies, facing Rugby World Cup debutants Hong Kong China at Perth Stadium. This opening game is expected to draw a crowd of potentially 60,000 fans, marking a rapid rise for Hong Kong China, who secured their spot by winning the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship.
Opening Showdown and Western Australia’s Rugby World Cup Role
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is poised to be a central hub for the initial stages of the Rugby World Cup. Beyond the opening match, Perth Stadium will host several other significant pool-stage encounters. These include a clash between three-time champions New Zealand and Chile on Saturday, October 2, and a highly anticipated Six Nations heavyweight contest between Ireland and Scotland on Sunday, October 10. Additionally, USA will take on Samoa on Saturday, October 9, and four-time Rugby World Cup winners South Africa will face Romania on Sunday, October 17.
Western Australia’s role in the tournament is a key part of the Cook Government’s economic diversification strategy, aiming to attract valuable tourism and support local jobs. Tourism Minister Reece Whitby stated that the event is ‘guaranteed to bring global attention to Perth and reinforce our reputation as a world-class destination for major sporting events.’ Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti highlighted that ‘kicking off the Rugby World Cup in Perth is a massive coup for our State,’ emphasizing its potential to inspire the next generation of players and fans.
Expanded Tournament and Key Fixtures Across Australia
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be the largest edition yet, expanding to 24 teams and comprising 52 matches across seven Australian cities. Beyond Perth, major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane will host a plethora of crucial games, with the schedule designed to be ‘weekend focused’ to maximize global impact and attendance.
Notable fixtures across other venues include:
- South Africa vs. Italy at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, October 3.
- Ireland vs. Portugal at Sydney Football Stadium on Monday, October 4.
- A blockbuster clash between the Wallabies and New Zealand at Stadium Australia in Sydney on Saturday, October 9, expected to be a standout game of the pool phase.
- England will begin their campaign in Brisbane against Tonga on Saturday, October 2, before facing Zimbabwe, making their first World Cup appearance since 1991, in Adelaide on Friday, October 8. England’s pool-stage journey will conclude against Wales in Sydney on Saturday, October 16.
The USA Men’s Eagles will commence their Rugby World Cup 2027 campaign in Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium against France on Saturday, October 2. Following this, they will travel to Perth for their match against Samoa on Saturday, October 9, and then conclude their pool play against Japan in Adelaide on Friday, October 15.
Argentina, competing in Pool C, will face Canada in Brisbane on Monday, October 4, followed by Spain in Melbourne on Sunday, October 10, and Fiji in Adelaide on Friday, October 15. The knockout phases of the tournament are scheduled to begin on October 23 and 24, with the top two teams from each pool, plus the four best third-place teams, progressing.
Securing Your Spot: Rugby World Cup Ticketing Details
For fans eager to experience the tournament firsthand, the first tickets will be available through an exclusive presale beginning on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12:00 AEDT. Access to this presale is limited to fans who complete their ticketing account registration by Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 12:00 AEDT. The presale window will close on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 12:00 AEDT. Fans can register for their account via the official Rugby World Cup 2027 website.
World Rugby chair Brett Robinson emphasized the careful design of the schedule, stating, ‘We’ve assembled the most compelling match schedule to date, carefully designed to balance player welfare, fan experience and global reach.’ This strategic approach aims to ensure a thrilling and accessible tournament for rugby enthusiasts worldwide.
The detailed schedule and early ticketing access underscore the significant planning involved in hosting a global event of this magnitude, providing a concrete pathway for fans and an economic boost for Australia years in advance of the first whistle.