Australia to Open 2027 Rugby World Cup Against Hong Kong China in Perth
Hosts kick off expanded 24-team tournament with a historic pool match as Hong Kong makes its Rugby World Cup debut
Australia will launch its campaign at the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup by hosting Hong Kong China in the opening match of the tournament in Perth on October 1 next year.
The fixture, confirmed as part of the full schedule released by organisers, marks the first time Hong Kong China will participate in the Rugby World Cup after qualifying through the Asia Rugby Championship, and it will be the first game of the expanded 24-team global event.
The Wallabies’ curtain-raiser comes as part of Pool A, which also features traditional rivals New Zealand and South American side Chile.
After the opening match in Perth, Australia will face the All Blacks at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 9, before concluding its pool fixtures against Chile in Brisbane on October 16.
Rugby Australia’s leadership welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of opening the Rugby World Cup on home soil for the first time since 2003. Perth Stadium will host the Wallabies’ first match in front of an anticipated large local crowd, with fans eager to see the hosts begin their bid for glory in a tournament that spans seven Australian cities over six weeks.
With a blend of established powerhouses and emerging nations, the World Cup schedule reflects rugby’s growing global reach and offers a broad showcase of international competition through to the final on November 13 in Sydney.
The fixture, confirmed as part of the full schedule released by organisers, marks the first time Hong Kong China will participate in the Rugby World Cup after qualifying through the Asia Rugby Championship, and it will be the first game of the expanded 24-team global event.
The Wallabies’ curtain-raiser comes as part of Pool A, which also features traditional rivals New Zealand and South American side Chile.
After the opening match in Perth, Australia will face the All Blacks at Sydney’s Accor Stadium on October 9, before concluding its pool fixtures against Chile in Brisbane on October 16.
Rugby Australia’s leadership welcomed the announcement, highlighting the significance of opening the Rugby World Cup on home soil for the first time since 2003. Perth Stadium will host the Wallabies’ first match in front of an anticipated large local crowd, with fans eager to see the hosts begin their bid for glory in a tournament that spans seven Australian cities over six weeks.
With a blend of established powerhouses and emerging nations, the World Cup schedule reflects rugby’s growing global reach and offers a broad showcase of international competition through to the final on November 13 in Sydney.
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