Rugby World Cup 2027 marks one year to go with ticket sales milestone

It’s officially one year until Rugby’s pinnacle tournament, the Rugby World Cup, with World Rugby celebrating a special ticketing milestone for the tournament, which will be held in Australia between October 1 and 13 November 2027.

1.3 million tickets have already been purchased by supporters from 164 countries, showcasing the global want and anticipation for the eleventh edition of the Rugby World Cup. Out of the tickets purchased with over a year to go until the marquee tournament, 51 per cent of the people are aged between 16 and 44.

The tournament will host 52 matches over six weeks across the length of Australia at seven host cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.

Australia are expecting over 250,000 international fans to attend the tournament’s matches, with tickets starting from AUD$40 for adults and AUD$20 for children; the tournament has been designed to welcome a variety of supporters, including families discovering Rugby for the first time in 2027.

World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said that he’s excited by the new format, which invites more nationalities to compete on the global stage.

“In just 365 days, Australia will welcome the world for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, a landmark tournament that coincides with the competition’s 40th anniversary and promises to be the biggest and most accessible celebration of rugby ever staged,” Robinson said.

“The expanded format marks the beginning of a new era for our sport. With 24 teams and 52 matches for the first time, alongside the introduction of a round of 16, more nations will have the opportunity to compete, progress and shine on rugby’s biggest stage, supporting the expansion of our global game and bringing even greater drama and excitement to fans around the world.

“Beyond the six weeks of competition, Australia 2027 will leave a lasting legacy for the host nation, the Oceania region and our global membership. As rugby’s premier event, Rugby World Cup is a powerful catalyst for growth, inspiring new generations of players, fans and volunteers, while generating revenues that World Rugby reinvests in the game in full.”

Chris Stanley, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, explained that Thursday, October 1 is a special milestone ahead of next year’s tournament.

“Today marks an important milestone as we enter the final year of preparations for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

“Thanks to strong collaboration across governments, Host Cities and tournament partners, the foundations are in place to deliver an extraordinary tournament and a uniquely Australian experience that showcases the country’s world-class venues, rich culture, welcoming communities and proven ability to host major global events.

“With over half of all tickets available already secured by supporters from 164 countries, the excitement building across Australia and around the world is clear. We are particularly excited to see so many younger fans engaging with the tournament, reflecting the unique opportunity Australia 2027 has to inspire the next generation of players and fans.”

“This competition belongs to everyone, from the players who dream of competing on rugby’s biggest stage, to the volunteers, communities, partners and supporters who will help bring it to life. We look forward to uniting fans from around the world next year and encourage supporters everywhere to secure their place and be part of a celebration that will create memories to last a lifetime.”

Fans are encouraged to attend First Fleet Park in Sydney over the next two days, Thursday, 1 – Friday, 2 October, 2026, which features a seven-metre-high rugby ball, Rugby World Cup memorabilia, and a programme of rugby activities. Fans can also get up close and personal to the Webb Ellis Cup.

“Remaining tickets from the Visa Priority Sale will go on sale from 12:00 AEST on 1 October, giving supporters of Australia and every competing nation another opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation celebration of rugby. With tickets starting from AUD$40 for adults and AUD$20 for children, the tournament is being designed to welcome lifelong supporters, families and fans discovering the game for the first time,” World Rugby announced.

Fans can still buy tickets to the Rugby World Cup through the official Ticketing website, or by purchasing ticket-inclusive hospitality and travel packages.

Ticketing packages are still available for the final and the tournament’s biggest matches, through Rugby World Cup Experiences.