Springboks’ Aussie adventure begins: Stadiums locked in for RWC 2027

Melbourne – South African rugby fans will be keeping a close eye on Australia as eight stadiums across the country were confirmed on Thursday as host venues for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with all matches in Melbourne set to be played under a closed roof.

Sydney Olympic Stadium, the 80,000-seat venue built for the 2000 Olympics, will be the centrepiece, hosting the final on November 13, both semi-finals, the third-place play-off, two quarter-finals, and two pool matches. Nearby Sydney Football Stadium will stage three pool matches and two round-of-16 fixtures.

The tournament kicks off on October 1 at Perth Stadium, which holds 60,000 spectators, while Melbourne’s Docklands Stadium, with its retractable roof, will see all eight matches played with the roof closed. Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium will host a combined 16 games, offering familiar settings for fans of the 2003 tournament.

New venues, including North Queensland Stadium in Townsville (25,000) and Newcastle Stadium (30,000), will make their World Cup debuts, bringing fresh excitement to regional hubs.

Tournament managing director Chris Stanley highlighted the global appeal of the stadiums: “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. These stadiums are more than just places to play, they are stages for history, where passion and community come together to celebrate rugby’s global spirit.”

For South Africans, the draw adds an extra layer of intrigue. Hosts Australia are in the same pool as New Zealand, while the Springboks – four-time champions – face Italy, Georgia, and Romania. With the tournament expanding to 24 sides from 20, South Africa will look to extend its dominance on the world stage while fans tune in from home and abroad.

The full match schedule is expected to be released on February 3, 2026, giving South African supporters plenty of time to plan trips Down Under or follow the action from home.

Compiled by Betha Madhomu