World Rugby says 1.3 million tickets secured for Rugby World Cup 2027

World Rugby said remaining tickets from the Visa Priority Sale would go on sale from 12:00 AEST on 1 October, with adult tickets starting at AUD$40 and child tickets at AUD$20. The tournament runs from 1 October to 13 November 2027 across seven Australian host cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Sydney and Townsville.

RugbyPass reported that 51 per cent of buyers were aged between 16 and 44. Australia expects more than 250,000 international fans to attend matches. Fans were invited to First Fleet Park in Sydney on 1 and 2 October 2026 to mark the countdown.

Ticket process

Chris Stanley, the tournament's managing director, said the foundations were in place with governments, host cities and partners. He said he was particularly excited to see so many younger fans engaging with the tournament. The general application window ran for two weeks and closed at 18:00 AEST on 2 June 2026.

RugbyPass reported that a ballot system would be used for oversubscribed matches and price categories, with all applications treated equally regardless of when they were submitted. Fans could tick an "All Out Advantage" box to accept alternative price categories, which improved their chances in the ballot. Applicants would receive email notification from 23 June 2026.

The opening match is Australia against Hong Kong China in Perth on 1 October 2027. Fans can still buy tickets through the official ticketing website. Ticket-inclusive hospitality and travel packages remain available for the final and the tournament's biggest matches through Rugby World Cup Experiences.

Format and schedule

World Rugby said the 2027 edition is the first with 24 teams and 52 matches, and the first to add a round of 16. It coincides with the competition's 40th anniversary. The 2027 event is the eleventh edition of the men's tournament. The tournament has been designed to welcome families and fans discovering rugby for the first time.

Brett Robinson, the World Rugby chair, said the expanded format would let more nations compete, progress and shine. He called Australia 2027 "the biggest and most accessible celebration of rugby ever staged". He said the tournament would leave a legacy for Australia, the Oceania region and World Rugby's members, and that World Rugby reinvests revenues in the game in full.

Pool play ends with five matches on 17 October 2027. The round of 16 takes place in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Quarter-finals are in Brisbane and Sydney on 30 and 31 October 2027. Sydney hosts the semi-finals and bronze final, and the final will be on 13 November 2027.