Rugby fans will have plenty of chances to pull on the green and gold, with Queensland scoring the hosting rights for 14 games of the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The tournament breakdown will see 10 games played at Brisbane Stadium (Lang Park) featuring six pool matches, two round-of-16 games and two quarter finals.
Rugby fanatics will also be charging into North Queensland Stadium in Townsville, which has been awarded four pool matches.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world, trailing only the Summer Olympics and the Men’s FIFA World Cup.
The event is a key step to showcase Queensland as a global sporting powerhouse ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The tournament has also 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 for Sport Tim Mander said the announcement was a major coup for Queensland.
“Queensland has secured nearly a third of the matches for the Men’s Rugby World Cup,” Minister Mander said.
“The tournament is more than just a competition, it’s a global celebration.
“We expect that the Rugby World Cup will encourage Queenslanders to be more active, boosting participation in sport and leaving a lasting legacy.
“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.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism 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.
“This will be six weeks of sporting heaven for rugby fanatics and a terrific boost for local hotels, restaurants, bars and tourism operators, along with sporting clubs who are able to host pre-competition preparation camps.
“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 transform our state forever.”
Rugby World Cup Australia’s Managing Director Chris Stanley the naming of host cities for the tournament is another significant milestone on the journey to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
“Queensland’s vibrant cities of Brisbane and Townsville will offer a fantastic stage for fans and players alike.
“We look forward to working with them to make this tournament one for the ages, and one that benefits all host communities.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the 2027 Rugby World Cup would be a massive win for Brisbane’s global sporting reputation.
“As Australia’s lifestyle capital, Brisbane knows how to deliver major events that energise fans and provide an economic boom to local businesses across the city,” Cr Schrinner said.
“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.”
Townsville Councillor and 3-time Olympian Suzy Batkovic said the announcement was fantastic news for the city.
“In Townsville we are well versed in hosting world-class sporting events, so to be able to host four Rugby World Cup games here at North Queensland Stadium in 2027 will be a real hit and not just for our rugby fanatics, but the whole community,” Cr Batkovic said.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be played in five Australian states from 1 October to 13 November 2027.
Fans can register their interest to be the first to know about tickets at www.rugbyworldcup.com/2027.
