Queensland will host 14 games of the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027, including two quarter-finals in Brisbane.
World Rugby today unveiled the seven host cities for tournament, which will be held across Australia from October 1 to November 13 in two years.
The tournament breakdown shows there would be 10 games played at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium, including six pool matches, two round-of-16 games and the two quarter finals.
North Queensland Stadium in Townsville has been awarded four pool matches, with other pool matches to be held in Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Newcastle.
Sydney will host the most matches including both semifinals and the final.
Queensland Sports Minister Tim Mander said the Men’s Rugby World Cup was the third largest sporting event in the world, trailing only the Summer Olympics and the Men’s FIFA World Cup.
Minister Mander said the event was a key step to showcase Queensland as a global sporting powerhouse ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He said the tournament had been expanded to 24 teams in 2027, with six groups of four teams competing in the pool stage, with a round-of-16 added to the knock-out rounds.
“Queensland receiving 14 games is another major win for the State’s rugby fans, who are already roaring with excitement for the British and Irish Lions tour games against the Queensland Reds and Wallabies in Brisbane in July.”
Minister Mander said Queensland’s allocation of matches was nearly a third of all matches at the World Cup.
“Having the world’s best players competing here in both South East Queensland and in North Queensland also provides a rare opportunity for local kids to see their heroes in action.”
State Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said securing the event was a major win for Queensland tourism.
“Queensland will be front-and-centre of the action come 2027 and it’s exciting to know North Queensland fans will also have the opportunity to watch world-class rugby in Townsville during the tournament,” Minister Powell said.
“The tournament is set to generate more than $212 million in visitor spend for the state’s economy and put the eyes of the world on Queensland less than five years before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 2027 Rugby World Cup would be a massive win for the city’s global sporting reputation.
“We’ve been ranked among some of the world’s top sporting cities and our facilities like Suncorp Stadium will be the perfect stage for an unforgettable tournament experience,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
Fans can register their interest for World Cup ticket on the Rugby World Cup website.
