SYDNEY (AP) — Rugby World Cup 2027 organizers have unveiled the complete tournament schedule, confirming Australia will commence their campaign against debutants Hong Kong in Perth on October 1. The championship final is scheduled for November 13 at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.
The comprehensive schedule released Tuesday outlines 52 matches across 19 match days, utilizing eight venues throughout seven Australian cities. The tournament structure, determined during December’s draw ceremony in Sydney, features defending two-time champion South Africa opening against Italy on October 3 in Adelaide.
A highlight of the pool stage will be ‘Super Sunday’ on October 17, 2027, featuring five simultaneous matches concluding group play: Italy versus Georgia, Ireland against Uruguay, Scotland facing Portugal, France taking on Samoa, and South Africa meeting Romania.
The tournament will introduce a round of 16 knockout phase for the first time, hosted across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Quarterfinals will follow in Brisbane and Sydney, with semifinals, bronze final, and championship final all concentrated in Sydney.
Australia faces a formidable challenge in their second match, confronting rugby powerhouse New Zealand on October 9 in Sydney. This marks the first pool stage encounter between these trans-Tasman rivals in Rugby World Cup history.
Wallabies captain Harry Wilson acknowledged the significance of both fixtures: ‘Initiating our campaign against Hong Kong will be particularly meaningful as they make their World Cup debut, and Perth has consistently provided tremendous support for our team. The subsequent match against New Zealand in Sydney will undoubtedly represent a monumental occasion in the tournament.’