Venues for Rugby World Cup 2027 Australia Selected

World Rugby has announced the eight host venues for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia) in Sydney, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, the venues set the stage for the expanded edition featuring 24 teams.

Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup down under, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane Stadium).

In 2027, the Rugby World Cup will return to Australia.
In 2027, the Rugby World Cup will return to Australia. Image: Rugby World Cup Limited

Marvel Stadium (Docklands Stadium) in Melbourne stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while Queensland Country Bank Stadium (North Queensland Stadium) in Townsville is making its Rugby World Cup debut, seating 25,000 and showcasing a striking roof design. McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle Stadium) and Allianz Stadium (Sydney Football Stadium) complete the line-up, with the latter, reopened in 2022 after a full rebuild, making Sydney the only city to feature two Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 venues.

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, Chris Stanley, said: “The selection of these stadiums reflects not only Australia’s proud rugby legacy but also our unwavering commitment to creating an unforgettable Rugby World Cup experience for every fan. From iconic national arenas to vibrant regional hubs, each venue has been chosen for its ability to deliver world-class facilities and electric atmospheres that will showcase the very best of our game.”

Host Cities and Venues

Adelaide Oval

Image: Stadionwelt / Colin Willemin
Located on the riverside and “known for its stunning blend of heritage and modern design”, it hosted matches in Rugby World Cup 2003, including Australia’s victory over Namibia.

City: Adelaide
Capacity: 53,000
Matches: Six pool matches

Suncorp Stadium (during the tournament: Brisbane Stadium)

Image: Stadionwelt / Colin Willemin
Known as “The Cauldron”, it is one of Australia’s most iconic rugby venues offering an electric atmosphere with fans close to the action. The stadium hosted nine Rugby World Cup matches in 2003 and featured 13 of the 2027 qualified teams.

City: Brisbane
Capacity: 52,500
Matches: Six pool matches, two round of 16 and two quarter-finals

Marvel Stadium (Docklands Stadium)

Image: Stadionwelt / Colin Willemin
The only fully enclosed venue in the tournament. The roof will remain closed for all matches, ensuring perfect conditions for players and fans. Hosted seven RWC matches in 2003.

City: Melbourne
Capacity: 53,000
Matches: Six pool matches and two round of 16

McDonald Jones Stadium (Newcastle Stadium)

Set to host Rugby World Cup matches for the first time in 2027. The venue’s rugby heritage includes the British & Irish Lions’ 1989 match against NSW Country and the Wallabies’ 2012 Test against Scotland.

City: Newcastle
Capacity: 30,000
Matches: Four pool matches

Optus Stadium (Perth Stadium)

Image: Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Perth Stadium
Opened in 2018 by the Swan River, the multi-award-winning venue is recognised globally for its design and fan experience. A regular host to Wallabies Test matches, the stadium will host the RWC 2027 opening match on 1 October 2027.

City: Perth
Capacity: 60,000
Matches: Five pool matches (including the opening) and two round of 16

Accor Stadium (Stadium Australia)

Image: Colin Willemin
The biggest stadium used across the tournament, it joins iconic venues Eden Park, Twickenham and Stade de France as the only stadiums in history to host a Men’s Rugby World Cup Final for a second time.

City: Sydney
Capacity: 82,000
Matches: Two pool matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final

Allianz Stadium (Sydney Football Stadium)

Image: Allianz Stadium
Reopened in 2022 after a complete rebuild, the most modern stadium of RWC 2027 located in the heart of Sydney will offer fans an electric atmosphere and cutting-edge facilities.

City: Sydney
Capacity: 42,500
Matches: Three pool matches and two round of 16

Queensland Country Bank Stadium (North Queensland Stadium)

Image: Stadionwelt / Colin Willemin
Opened in 2020 and making its Rugby World Cup debut, the stadium’s striking roof design is inspired by the tropical pandanus plant, native to the North Queensland region.

City: Townsville
Capacity: 25,000
Matches: Four pool matches

The organizers further state, that the stadiums have been selected in consultation with Host Governments for their facilities and availability, as well as ensuring a maximum reach of the tournament footprint for local and international rugby fans. (stadiaworld, 26.01.2026)