Rugby World Cup 2027: Australia to host expanded 24‑team tournament

Introduction

The rugby world cup 2027 marks a significant milestone for global rugby: it will be the first men’s tournament to feature 24 teams. Hosted by Australia, the event promises an expanded schedule, broader international representation and a high-profile autumn window for fans and broadcasters. The tournament’s scale and the inclusion of more nations increase its sporting importance and commercial impact across the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.

Main details

Dates and format

The tournament is scheduled to run from 1 October to 13 November 2027. For the first time the men’s Rugby World Cup will include 24 teams organised into six pools of four. Across the competition there will be 52 matches, with a player pool totalling 792 athletes (24 teams).

Teams and the draw

The official tournament draw was broadcast from Sydney on 3 December 2025, hosted by World Rugby. The draw event featured figures from the game including World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson, former All Black Dan Carter, Australia captain James Slipper and former sevens star Alicia Lucas. Automatically qualified nations listed for the tournament include reigning champions South Africa alongside New Zealand, England, France, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, Australia, Argentina and Japan. Regional qualifiers expected in the expanded field include Georgia, Spain, Romania, Portugal, Tonga, Canada, the United States, Uruguay, Chile, Samoa, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong China.

Venues and scope

Matches will be held across seven Australian cities: Adelaide | Tarntanya, Brisbane | Meeanjin, Melbourne | Narrm, Newcastle | Awabakal‑Worimi, Perth | Boorloo, Sydney | Gadigal and Townsville | Gurambilbarra. The geographic spread aims to bring high‑level international rugby to multiple regions and to showcase Australia’s stadiums and rugby communities.

Conclusion

The rugby world cup 2027 represents a step change in scale and inclusivity for the sport, with more matches, more nations and a longer tournament window. For fans it offers a fuller international spectacle; for emerging rugby nations it provides a bigger stage. As planning moves forward, attention will centre on ticketing, broadcast schedules and the competitive balance that the expanded format will deliver in Australia’s autumn of rugby.