Gregor Townsend checks Australia bases for 2027
Gregor Townsend has travelled to Australia to inspect facilities and accommodation as Scotland prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
©PA
Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has travelled to Australia to inspect training facilities and accommodation options ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
With Scotland set to play pool matches in three different cities, the visit forms part of the team’s early planning for the tournament.
Gregor Townsend Starts Scotland World Cup Planning
Townsend has been accompanied by members of Scotland’s management staff as preparations begin for the expanded 2027 competition. The tournament will mark the first men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia since 2003, when Townsend was part of the Scotland side that reached the quarter-finals.
The Scotland coach said Melbourne had already made a strong impression, especially because of the stadium conditions and the city’s reputation for hosting major sporting events.
“It guarantees good conditions to play rugby and it's quite a sporting city Melbourne,” said Townsend.
“Australia put on outstanding sporting events and tournaments.
"I was fortunate enough to play the last time the World Cup was in this country and it was so well supported.
"And now the stadiums are bigger, more modern than they were back then. It'll be one of the first games of the World Cup here and the roof does create a noisier atmosphere.”
Scotland Rugby World Cup 2027 Pool Fixtures
Scotland have been drawn in Pool D alongside Ireland, Uruguay and Portugal. Their group-stage matches will be played across Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane, making logistics and travel planning an important part of the build-up.
Scotland are scheduled to face Uruguay in Melbourne on 3 October, Ireland in Perth on 10 October and Portugal in Brisbane on 17 October. The 2027 Rugby World Cup will use an expanded format, with 24 teams divided into six groups of four.
Scotland Aim To Improve World Cup Record
Scotland failed to progress beyond the pool stage at the last two men’s Rugby World Cups in 2019 and 2023, so the 2027 tournament offers an opportunity to improve on those recent results.
