Adelaide is set for an unforgettable Rugby World Cup experience in 2027, hosting six compelling pool phase matches and delivering three consecutive weekends that will transform the city into a vibrant rugby festival with supporters from 10 different nations expected in South Australia's capital city.
Fans in South Australia and abroad can now start planning their Rugby World Cup journey, with first tickets available from 18 February for registered fans in the exclusive Presale.
Adelaide Oval will host a historic moment, when Zimbabwe makes their long-awaited return to Rugby World Cup action - their first appearance since 1991 - with an opening weekend clash against Wales on 2 October.
Reigning world champions South Africa launches their pursuit of an unprecedented three-peat in Adelaide, facing Italy on 3 October in a blockbuster fixture.
The second weekend will see England taking the field alongside Pacific Nations Cup champions Fiji, ensuring another round of elite rugby for local fans. Adelaide's pool phase finale delivers two crucial matchups with Japan v USA and pool C most anticipated showdown Argentina v Fiji.
The six Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 matches hosted at the Adelaide Oval include:
- Wales v Zimbabwe | Saturday 2 October
- South Africa v Italy | Sunday 3 October
- England v Zimbabwe | Friday 8 October
- Fiji v Canada | Sunday 10 October
- Japan v USA | Friday 15 October
- Argentina v Fiji | Saturday 16 October
Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is the tournament's 11 edition and the first to be expanded to 24 teams with 52-matches and a round of 16 for the first time.
The compelling schedule sees South Australia host teams from key international tourism markets, including the United Kingdom and North America.
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.
Demand for tickets is already high, with hundreds of thousands of fans already registered for the Presale that starts on 18 February at 11:30 ACDT and closes on 4 March at 11:30 ACDT. This follows the incredible success of Superfan Passes, which sold out in under an hour last July, showing the excitement building for Men's Rugby World Cup 2027.
Adelaide Oval will offer a wide range of prices and categories, with standing tickets starting at just $20 for adults, and seated tickets at $40. Tickets for Rugby World Cup 2027 will be available only at rwc2027.rugbyworldcup.com/.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison predicts South Australia will see great results in October 2027 when we welcome these teams and fans.
"We have recently seen the impact international rugby has had on our State generating $3.9 million in revenue for Adelaide's hotel sector alone," she said.
"The schedule sees South Australia host teams from key international tourism markets, including the United Kingdom and North America. Latest data shows in the year to September 2025, the two international markets were worth a combined $253 million to South Australia's visitor economy."
"There is a reason we are the official Best Event State in the nation; I want to encourage fans already planning their rugby journey to make sure they take the time to discover the simple pleasures of South Australia - from our unique wildlife in the wild experiences to world-class wine-regions, and generous hospitality."
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, the Chair of World Rugby said they've assembled the most compelling match schedule to date.
"The wait is over. This is the moment teams and fans have been waiting for and the start of their Rugby World Cup 2027 journey," he said.
The schedule is carefully designed to balance player welfare, fan experience and global reach with world-class fixtures hosted in Adelaide/ Tarntanya.
From the opening match in Perth/ Boorloo to the final in Sydney /Wangal, get ready for six weeks of the greatest brand of rugby as our sport enters a new era of openness and entertainment with Australia 2027.
Chris Stanl, the Managing Director of the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 said it's an exhilarating time to be a rugby fan.
"The biggest edition of our sport's pinnacle competition has taken full shape, with mouthwatering fixtures across the pool phase and blockbusters in every round," he said.
"By clustering matches on weekends, local communities in our seven vibrant host cities will enjoy a festival atmosphere, with tickets available to suit all needs and budgets."
"Fans have a unique opportunity to be part of this historic edition and are encouraged to register now to access the exclusive Presale on 18 February."
