One year to go until Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027

Today marks a defining milestone as the one-year countdown until Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 begins and remaining tickets are released.

South Australia’s rugby action kicks off on 2 October, as Adelaide Oval hosts six matches across three consecutive weekends, bringing some of the world’s best rugby teams to the city.
 
Fans from around the world are already showing interest in Adelaide, with the United Kingdom, Japan and Argentina leading international purchaser markets for matches in the city. Strong UK interest is building around Adelaide Oval’s England v Zimbabwe match, with UK-based purchasers accounting for 36% of purchasers.
 
The UK is one of South Australia’s key international markets, with 68,000 visitors contributing $150 million to the state’s economy annually.
 
Highlights at Adelaide Oval will include Zimbabwe making their long-awaited Rugby World Cup comeback, facing Wales on 2 October in their first tournament since 1991.
 
Reigning champions South Africa launch their pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Men’s Rugby World Cup title, taking on Italy on 3 October.
 
In week two, England takes on Zimbabwe on 8 October, before Pacific Nations Cup champions Fiji face Canada on 10 October. The final weekend will see Japan take on USA on 15 October, ahead of Argentina facing the return of Fiji on 16 October.
 
The positive impact of international rugby was demonstrated last year, when Adelaide Oval hosted the historic British & Irish Lions match on Saturday 12 July 2025. The game day set a new record, with the then highest ever number of hotel rooms filled in greater metropolitan Adelaide at 10,745 room nights occupied - generating $3.9 million in revenue, ranking as the then fifth highest on record.
 
Hosting six pool matches as part of Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 further cements South Australia’s standing as the nation's official Best Event State.

Bringing fans closer to the action, Adelaide will host four Outdoor Training Venues including St Peter's College, Adelaide University West Beach, Norwood Oval and Unley Oval. The venues extend the tournament’s footprint beyond match venues, creating opportunities for local communities to connect with teams, while providing the world’s best teams with optimal environments to prepare, recover and perform at their best.
 
Tickets start from $40 for adults and $20 for children, with remaining tickets going on sale from 12:00 AEST on 1 October at rwc2027.rugbyworldcup.com.
 
Minister for Tourism, Emily Bourke said tickets already purchased for Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 have shown Adelaide is a desired host city, especially for some of the state's key international tourism markets.
 
"We are working to ensure rugby fans stay longer and travel well beyond the field to discover why South Australia is a world-leading destination – from our wine regions and unique wildlife to our accessible Outback and mighty Murray River," Minister Bourke said. 
 
"With the likes of MotoGP, bp Grand Final, and Santos Tour Down Under on our calendar, South Australia has a reputation of delivering major international sporting events like nowhere else, and the thousands of fans here for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will discover this firsthand."
 
Managing Director Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, Chris Stanley said today marks an important milestone, entering the final year of preparations for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.

"Thanks to strong collaboration across governments, Host Cities and tournament partners, the foundations are in place to deliver an extraordinary tournament and a uniquely Australian experience that showcases the country's world-class venues, rich culture, welcoming communities and proven ability to host major global events," Mr Stanley said. 
 
"With over half of all tickets available already secured by supporters from 164 countries, the excitement building across Australia and around the world is clear. We are particularly excited to see so many younger fans engaging with the tournament, reflecting the unique opportunity Australia 2027 has to inspire the next generation of players and fans.
 
"This competition belongs to everyone, from the players who dream of competing on rugby's biggest stage, to the volunteers, communities, partners and supporters who will help bring it to life. We look forward to uniting fans from around the world next year and encourage supporters everywhere to secure their place and be part of a celebration that will create memories to last a lifetime."