Sydney to stage 2027 Rugby World Cup Final

Sydney's Olympic Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, marking 24 years since England’s dramatic extra-time victory over Australia at the same ground.

World Rugby officials have announced seven host cities for the expanded 24-team tournament, which will run from October 1 to November 13, 2027.

The schedule has been carefully planned to avoid clashes with the AFL and NRL, ensuring optimal stadium availability throughout the competition.

One of the standout inclusions in the host city lineup is Melbourne, which will host nine matches, including two round-of-16 fixtures. These matches could take place at either the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) or the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Despite initial concerns that Victoria might miss out due to the collapse of Super Rugby's Melbourne Rebels, the state has secured a significant role in the tournament.

"It wouldn't be a World Cup without going to the 'G'," said World Rugby chair Brett Robinson. "Nine matches in Melbourne is fantastic, and they are participating in a significant way in this tournament."

Brisbane has been awarded eight matches, including two quarter-finals, reinforcing its status as a key rugby hub. Meanwhile, regional centers such as Townsville and Newcastle will also host pool games, further broadening the reach of the competition across Australia.

Perth will have the honor of hosting the opening match of the tournament, while Adelaide is also among the host cities. However, Canberra, home to Super Rugby’s ACT Brumbies, was left out due to its lack of a suitable stadium.

Sydney will host an extensive lineup of matches, with five pool games, two round-of-16 matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, the bronze final, and the championship final all taking place in the city.

Robinson acknowledged Canberra’s exclusion, citing infrastructure limitations as a key factor. "It's disappointing that we haven't got the stadium in Canberra," he admitted.

"Playing at home in Canberra is a wonderful experience, but the facilities simply aren't up to the scale required for a tournament of this magnitude."

The official tournament schedule will be finalized once qualifiers conclude later this year, but Sydney’s role as the host of the grand final is now confirmed, setting the stage for a historic showdown in 2027.