Are you passionate about rugby? Do you have unlimited funds at your disposal? Are you okay with spending several hours in transit?
If this resonates with you, then your search ends here – we present a Rugby World Cup travel guide tailored for you!
With the match schedule for Rugby World Cup 2027 now available, fans can start planning their itineraries for the inaugural edition of the expanded 24-team tournament.
For those who may not be well-acquainted with Australia, rugby, or the attractions available between weekends of matches, we have attempted to outline how one might organize the ultimate rugby experience.
Continue reading below for our guide covering the tournament’s first three weeks.
AUSTRALIA VS. HONG KONG, PERTH STADIUM, FRIDAY OCT. 1
While it may not be the most illustrious opening match in the tournament’s history — it is likely to be quite one-sided — there is something unique about witnessing the start of any major sporting event. You will also have the opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremony and, if you arrive a few days early, immerse yourself in the atmosphere as the countdown to the first whistle intensifies.
NEW ZEALAND VS. CHILE, PERTH STADIUM, PERTH, SATURDAY OCT. 2
It’s a West Australian double-header to kick off the tournament as you wake up, refresh yourself with a swim in the Indian Ocean, and then return to Perth Stadium to see the All Blacks face off against Los Condores. This match is expected to be another lopsided affair, but Chile, who made their tournament debut in 2023, will not hold back; the South Americans enjoy an expansive style of play and are a rising Tier 2 nation.
SOUTH AFRICA VS. ITALY, ADELAIDE OVAL, ADELAIDE, SUNDAY OCT. 3
The 1.15pm [AWDT] kick-off in Perth will provide ample time to either head to the airport on Saturday evening or enjoy some post-match refreshments, still allowing for an early night and a timely flight to Adelaide, which takes just under three hours. Centrally located, Adelaide Oval is expected to be bustling for this Pool B encounter, which the Springboks are favored to win, though the two-time defending champions will not underestimate their opponents. Italy continues to improve year after year, proving to be more than just a challenge in the Six Nations, and they have also secured two home victories over the Wallabies.
IRELAND VS. PORTUGAL, SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM, MONDAY OCT. 4
If red wine, for which South Australia is renowned, is not your preference, and rugby is your main focus, then it’s time to board your flight to Sydney on the east coast. Expect the 42,500-capacity Sydney Football Stadium to be nearly full for this match, given the number of Irish expatriates living in Australia and those traveling from Ireland. Andy Farrell’s squad is anticipated to have significantly more skill than Portugal, but Os Lobos [the Wolves] are another team that will thrive in the warm conditions and fast tracks Down Under.
AUSTRALIA VS. NEW ZEALAND, STADIUM AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY, SATURDAY OCT. 9
After four matches in four days, you might find yourself in need of a break or at least a change of scenery from a rectangular field with goalposts at either end. Fortunately, whether you head north, south, or west from Sydney, there are countless vacation options to suit every preference and budget, with many of the best destinations reachable in under three hours’ drive. However, make sure to return in time for what is the highlight match of the pool stage between the Wallabies and All Blacks. The 82,000-seat Stadium Australia has hosted some of the most significant events in the nation’s history, and another chapter in the sporting narrative will be written here.
IRELAND VS. SCOTLAND, PERTH STADIUM — OR — SOUTH AFRICA VS. GEORGIA, BRISBANE STADIUM, SUNDAY OCT. 10
Rugby enthusiasts will have a choice here, determined by their personal loyalties or their willingness to undertake a 10-hour round trip. If you are Scottish or Irish, then all routes lead west once again, and you will need to take the flight to Perth — and back — for what promises to be another exciting pool match. Ireland has historically dominated Scotland, having easily defeated them in the last two World Cups, but Gregor Townsend’s team will eventually end their losing streak; perhaps this will be the occasion?
For those neutral fans, the idea of a 90-minute journey to Brisbane to join the Springbok supporters might be more appealing. The Boks are expected to secure a comfortable victory against Georgia, but the Europeans boast some exceptional outside backs, led by Davit Niniashvili, who excel in open play. This match also provides traveling fans the chance to enjoy the atmosphere on Brisbane’s famous Caxton Street beforehand.
URUGUAY VS. PORTUGAL, NEWCASTLE STADIUM, MONDAY OCT. 11
If a few days in South Australia or Queensland doesn’t entice you — with the Sunshine State’s beaches arguably among the best in the world — then hop on a plane to Newcastle, as this matchup between Uruguay and Portugal could be quite thrilling. Expect a high-scoring contest between two teams that play with flair, while an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup football match will also be present. Take a few days afterward to explore other regions of New South Wales’ mid-north and northern coasts, or the nearby Hunter Valley wine area, which also offers excellent golfing opportunities.
ENGLAND VS. WALES, STADIUM AUSTRALIA, SYDNEY, SATURDAY OCT. 16
After a few days of relaxation, return to Sydney for what is a crucial Pool F match. England will be strong favorites to win against a rebuilding Wales, but the Dragons would relish the opportunity to replicate their 2015 success and upset the English once again. The 82,500-seat venue is expected to be nearly full, promising an exciting evening — and a lively build-up earlier that day in the Harbour City — for fans of both nations, as well as for neutrals.
FRANCE VS. SAMOA, SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM, SUNDAY OCT. 17
You might prefer to settle into one of Sydney’s numerous bars for the five-game “Super Sunday,” but the advantage of the Sydney Football Stadium is its close proximity to the city and many of those aforementioned bars and restaurants, meaning it won’t take long to head over and watch France and Samoa compete. This will likely be Samoa’s strongest performance of the pool stage, as they continue to improve week by week after spending more time together as a team. An upset may be out of reach for them, but if Les Bleus falter, this match could be closer than anticipated.
That concludes our overview. Nine matches across four or five cities, with four flights, a few car or train journeys in between, and a great deal of enjoyment.
Take a moment to breathe – and then prepare yourself for the knockout stage!
