Rugby World Cup 2027: 750,000+ Tickets Sold in Initial Phase | Australia 2027
The 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup is already breaking records before a ball is kicked, with over 750,000 tickets sold in the initial sales phase. Australia is preparing to host the largest edition of the tournament to date, boasting 24 teams and a total of 52 matches, with 2.5 million tickets available.
The rapid pace of sales is already exceeding that of previous Rugby World Cups, fueled by strong demand during the Superfan and Presale phases. Fans from across Australia and around the globe moved quickly to secure their place at the event. Over half of the tickets were sold within the first six hours of the Presale opening, demonstrating widespread enthusiasm for both pool play and the knockout stages across all seven Host Cities.
Early indicators point to significant interest in several key matches. Australia’s clash with New Zealand, alongside fixtures featuring England versus Wales and Ireland against Scotland, are proving particularly popular. Matches in the knockout phase are also driving high demand, reflecting the tournament’s appeal as rugby’s premier international competition.
The global reach of the 2027 World Cup is already evident, with supporters from 135 countries having secured tickets. While Australian fans are leading the charge, strong interest is also coming from traditional rugby nations. Notably, there’s also passionate support for emerging teams like Hong Kong China and Zimbabwe, who will be making their mark on the world stage.
The top ten countries purchasing tickets to date are: Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Japan, France, Ireland, the United States of America, South Africa, Chile, and Canada. This diverse list underscores the growing international appeal of rugby union.
For those who missed out during the Presale, another opportunity to secure tickets will arrive on , with the opening of the Application Phase. This two-week period will provide all fans worldwide with a chance to apply for tickets to every match, in every price category. A ballot system will be used to ensure fairness when demand exceeds availability.
Fans seeking a more comprehensive experience can also explore ticket-inclusive hospitality and travel packages through Rugby World Cup Experiences.
Chris Stanley, Managing Director of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, expressed his satisfaction with the initial ticket sales. “Reaching more than 750,000 tickets sold with over 18 months to travel until the tournament is a significant milestone and reflects the excitement building right across Australia and internationally,” Stanley said. “The strong demand in every Host City and across the globe demonstrates the appetite for a truly international celebration of rugby. This tournament will bring communities together and welcome fans from across the globe to experience rugby at its very best.”
Stanley also encouraged fans who were unsuccessful in the Presale to register for the Application Phase. “With the Presale now closed, fans are encouraged to register ahead of the Application Phase in May so they don’t miss out on all the ticketing news.”
Accessibility is a key priority for the tournament organizers, with ticket prices starting at AUD$40 for adults and AUD$20 for children. One million tickets will be available at AUD$100 or under, making the event accessible to a wider range of fans.
Organizers are strongly advising fans to purchase tickets only through official channels. Tickets obtained via unauthorized platforms will be cancelled. An official resale platform will be launched later in the year, providing a secure marketplace for fans who are unable to attend matches.
Fans can register their details at https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2027/en/newsletter to receive updates and ticketing news ahead of the Application Phase.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup marks a significant evolution for the tournament. It will be the first branded as the “Men’s Rugby World Cup,” a change implemented in October 2023 to promote gender parity within the sport. It will also be the first to feature 24 teams, expanding the competition’s global representation and providing opportunities for emerging nations to compete on the world stage. Hong Kong China will be making their debut in the tournament.
The decision to award the hosting rights to Australia followed a competitive bidding process. World Rugby had initially hoped to award both the 2027 and 2031 Men’s World Cup hosting rights, along with the 2025 and 2029 Women’s World Cup hosting rights, by May 2022. Argentina, Australia, and Russia initially expressed interest in hosting the 2027 event, but Argentina later withdrew its bid. South Africa ultimately decided not to bid for the 2027 tournament.