The Queensland Government has scored hosting honours for 14 games of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, with the release of the full match schedule for the competition yesterday.
Brisbane will host the highly-anticipated Wallabies match against Chile and welcome six of the top 10 men’s rugby nations, with match-ups including Argentina v Canada; France v Japan; South Africa v Georgia; and Scotland v Portugal.
Townsville is set to host world‑class rugby with the World Cup’s local kick‑off featuring Georgia v Romania, followed by Chile v Hong Kong China, Tonga v Zimbabwe and Spain v Canada.
The 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup features an expanded 24-team competition, played across seven Australian cities over six weeks.
Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said the match schedule highlighted the success of the Destination 2045 tourism plan in securing world class events.
“We are continuing to cement Queensland as Australia’s event capital in the lead‑up to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Minister Powell said.
“The tournament will bring the world’s best rugby nations to Brisbane and Townsville, and showcase Queensland on the global stage.
“These fixtures are expected to generate an estimated $212 million in economic benefit for the state.
“That investment will support tourism, local businesses and jobs across accommodation, hospitality and transport.”
Minister for Sport, Tim Mander said having the best rugby players in the world competing in Queensland would have a flow-on effect right across the state.
“Queensland is the sporting capital of Australia and when we host the big events, we know it inspires more young Queenslanders to get out and be active,” Minister Mander said.
“We have a history of producing wonderful athletes, and seeing the best players on the planet going toe-to-toe in our own backyard will enable us to continue that tradition.
“The Rugby World Cup also allows us a fantastic opportunity to showcase two cities that will feature heavily in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and I know, like William Webb Ellis, we will pick up that opportunity and run with it.”
Townsville Enterprise Major Events Acquisition Director, Chelsea Cavanah said the Cup would firmly position the city on the global stage through extensive international broadcast exposure.
“It’s no secret that Townsville loves its sport, and there is nothing quite like the energy and excitement that comes with hosting a major international event,” Ms Cavanah said.
“With rugby ranked among the world’s largest sporting codes, the opportunities for our region are significant.
“Hosting this event is a strong endorsement of Townsville’s continued growth as a regional destination that consistently delivers world-class events.”
MATCH SCHEDULE:
BRISBANE
- England v Tonga – Saturday 02 October
- Argentina v Canada – Monday 04 October
- France v Japan – Saturday 09 October
- South Africa v Georgia – Sunday 10 October
- Australia v Chile – Saturday 16 October
- Scotland v Portugal – Sunday 17 October
- Round 16 Match – Saturday 23 October
- Round 16 Match – Sunday 24 October
- Quarter Final – Saturday 30 October
- Quarter Final – Sunday 31 October
TOWNSVILLE
- Georgia v Romania – Sunday 03 October
- Chile v Hong Kong, China – Saturday 09 October
- Tonga v Zimbabwe – Friday 15 October
- Spain v Canada – Saturday 16 October
Further information, including tournament pools for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup, are available here.
