World Rugby has unveiled the host nations for the next four Rugby World Cups, marking a major step forward in the sport’s global expansion.
At its Annual Meeting in Dublin, the World Rugby Council unanimously approved the upcoming tournament locations, ushering in what it describes as a landmark decade for rugby worldwide:
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
- Australia to host Rugby World Cup 2027 (men’s) and 2029 (women’s)
- USA to host Rugby World Cup 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s)
World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin added: “As a sport and an international federation, it is imperative that we continually seek new ways to ensure that the sport converts clear potential into impactful outcomes, and today’s decision reflects that commitment.
“A partnership approach will enable us to develop robust strategic objectives that are great for the host nation and great for rugby and build efficiencies of delivery and resourcing, helping to reduce hosting costs from the outset, while maximising fan engagement, revenue and delivery opportunities. All of which will lead to even greater direct investment back into the game at all levels.
“We look forward to continuing our engagement with the host partners to deliver the stage for the world’s best players to perform and a festival to excite and engage fans from around the world, growing the rugby movement together in a responsible and sustainable way.”
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Full Draw: England and Wales meet again
England’s recent emphatic win over Wales adds extra spice to their upcoming meeting at the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, where the old rivals have been drawn together once again in the pool stage.
The expanded 24-team tournament will be played across Australia from 1 October 2027, with six pools of four teams and a new round-of-16 knockout phase. With fixtures and venues now confirmed by World Rugby, attention quickly turns to how each group will unfold.
Pool A — New Zealand, Australia (H), Chile, Hong Kong China
Group summary
Pool A features tournament hosts Australia and three-time champions New Zealand, making it one of the headline groups of the opening phase. Chile and Hong Kong China will be targeting historic results, while the trans-Tasman clash between Australia and New Zealand is expected to be one of the most watched pool matches of the tournament.
Fixtures
- 1 October 2027 — Australia vs Hong Kong China
Perth Stadium, Perth - 2 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Chile
Perth Stadium, Perth - 9 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Australia
Stadium Australia, Sydney - 9 October 2027 — Chile vs Hong Kong China
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 15 October 2027 — New Zealand vs Hong Kong China
Docklands Stadium, Melbourne - 16 October 2027 — Australia vs Chile
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool B — South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Group summary
Defending champions South Africa headline Pool B and begin their campaign against Italy. Georgia continue to establish themselves as a consistent World Cup presence, while Romania return aiming to challenge for third place and possible qualification via rankings.
Fixtures
- 3 October 2027 — South Africa vs Italy
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide - 3 October 2027 — Georgia vs Romania
North Queensland Stadium, Townsville - 10 October 2027 — South Africa vs Georgia
Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane - 11 October 2027 — Italy vs Romania
Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney - 17 October 2027 — Italy vs Georgia
Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle - 17 October 2027 — South Africa vs Romania
Perth Stadium, Perth
