- Perth to host opening match between Australia and Hong Kong China for Men's Rugby World Cup 2027
- Clashes between New Zealand v Chile and Ireland v Scotland also confirmed to take place at Perth Stadium
- Attracting major events are part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy to generate valuable tourism dollars for local business and support local jobs
The full match schedule for the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 has been released, revealing the Wallabies will take on Asia rugby champions and World Cup debutants Hong Kong China at the tournament's blockbuster opening match in Perth on Friday, 1 October.
The highly anticipated opener sets the stage for an incredible lineup of Perth matches which are expected to draw fans from across Australia and the world to the city, with clashes between notable rugby nation greats including Ireland v Scotland, and major matches featuring South Africa and New Zealand.
The Wallabies are one of rugby's most iconic national teams, having won the Men's Rugby World Cup twice and finishing as runners-up on two occasions.
Playing in front of potentially 60,000 fans in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in Perth is a rapid rise for Hong Kong China, who will make their Rugby World Cup debut after winning the Asia Rugby Men's Championship, making history as only the second Asian side ever to qualify for tournament.
Other matches taking place in Perth include:
- New Zealand v Chile on Saturday, 2 October;
- USA v Samoa on Saturday, 9 October;
- Ireland v Scotland on Sunday, 10 October; and
- South Africa v Romania on Sunday, 17 October.
Three-time men's Rugby World Cup winners New Zealand will be looking to go a step further than their final loss at France 2023, while fans can look forward to a Six Nations heavyweight contest as Ireland take on Scotland, a fixture likely to shape the pool's final standings.
Another major highlight for Perth will be hosting four-time Rugby World Cup champions, South Africa, who will be looking to become the first to win three consecutive tournaments after their successes in 2019 and 2023.
Held every four years, the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is the most prestigious tournament in rugby union and ranks as the third largest sporting event in the world behind only the Summer Olympics and the Men's FIFA World Cup.
Western Australia has built an impressive track record of hosting major rugby events in recent years, including the Wallabies vs Springboks clash in August 2024, the British and Irish Lions Tour in June 2025, the soldout Australianexclusive Bledisloe Cup in October 2025, and the HSBC SVNS series secured to remain in Perth through to 2028.
Perth's growing rugby momentum will peak in October 2027 with the Men's Rugby World Cup, as the pinnacle of what has become a golden era for the sport in the State.
Supported by the Cook Government through Tourism WA, this blockbuster tournament strengthens Perth's reputation as a worldclass host of major events and further elevates the State's presence on the global stage.
Major events, like the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027, demonstrate the Cook Government's commitment to economic diversification, helping build a year-round events calendar that attracts out-of-state visitors and grows the State's visitor economy to boost local business and jobs.
Find out more at rugbyworldcup.com/2027
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"Western Australia is absolutely buzzing ahead of the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027, and that excitement is set to get even bigger with the announcement that Perth will host the Wallabies and Hong Kong China for the opening match.
"With major clashes between New Zealand and Chile, and Ireland and Scotland set to draw thousands of rugby union fans to WA, the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 is guaranteed to bring global attention to Perth and reinforce our reputation as a worldclass destination for major sporting events.
"Tourism is a key part of the Cook Government's economic diversification strategy, creating a time sensitive reason for visitors to book a trip to Western Australia, generating millions of dollars for our economy every year and supporting local jobs and local businesses."
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Kicking off the Rugby World Cup in Perth is a massive coup for our State, with the Opening Ceremony and the Wallabies' first match set to thrill fans here in WA and around the world.
"I'm excited for our community to get behind these matches - and of course the Wallabies - as we welcome thousands of visitors to our award-winning Perth Stadium.
"Western Australia has a proud rugby union history, and hosting matches as part of the Rugby World Cup will help grow the game and inspire the next generation of players and fans across the State.
"Hosting major global events like the Rugby World Cup brings vibrancy and activity to our city, supports local jobs and showcases our State to the world."
