The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2027 reached the one-year mark yesterday, with the tournament set to return to Australian shores for the first time since 2003.
Nine has outlined its plans for the six-week tournament, which will be held across Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, with all 52 matches streaming live and on demand on Stan Sport, while the 9Network and 9Now will provide free-to-air coverage including every Wallabies match.
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Exactly one year out from Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the Nine Group is set to deliver the most comprehensive coverage in the tournament’s history.
Returning to Australian soil for the first time since 2003, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be showcased across Stan Sport, the 9Network, 9Now, publishing, out of home, and digital news platforms to connect millions of fans nationwide.
The Wallabies’ sensational victory over the reigning world champion Springboks on Sunday reached a Total TV audience of more than two million*, fuelling excitement for what lies ahead for Australian rugby.
Exactly one year from today, on 1 October 2027, Les Kiss’ Wallabies will return to Perth Stadium to face Hong Kong China in the opening match of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, kicking off a six-week festival of international rugby across the country.
Anticipation is already surging for the largest Rugby World Cup ever staged, with more than 750,000 tickets snapped up during the initial sales phase as Australia prepares to welcome 24 teams for 52 matches across the country. Remaining available tickets go on sale from 12:00 AEST on 1 October to mark the milestone.
To celebrate the milestone, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 HQ opened this morning at Sydney’s First Fleet Park, with Today broadcasting live from the site ahead of an official press conference featuring RWC2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley, NSW Government representatives, and rugby stars past and present.
Nine CEO Matt Stanton said:
“Nine is gearing up for our biggest ever year of sport in 2027, and a home Rugby World Cup is a huge contributor to that.”
“No one does big sporting moments like Nine. This will be the largest Rugby World Cup ever staged – with predictions of 250,000 international visitors and a national economic injection of up to $2.8 billion – and our coverage will match that scale.”
“With a year to go, plans are in motion to activate our ‘Sofa to Street’ proposition – bringing to life the Rugby World Cup across our streaming, broadcast, mastheads and outdoor assets.”
“With the game on the world stage, we look forward to delivering world-class coverage to rugby fans and unrivalled brand opportunities for advertisers come October,” Mr Stanton said.
As the ultimate destination for rugby fans, Stan Sport will stream all 52 matches live and on demand alongside highlights, mini matches, replays and exclusive feeds providing a unique global perspective.
An expanded roster of the biggest names in rugby, including new international talent, will feature across match coverage and a brand new lineup of daily shows and content bringing fans closer to the tournament than ever before.
The 9Network and 9Now will bring the high-stakes action to the widest possible audience nationwide, broadcasting action from the early stages right through to the finals, including every Wallabies match, live and free.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 sits alongside an unrivalled slate of major live sport on Nine and Stan Sport in 2027, joining a lineup that includes the NRL and NRLW, State of Origin, Melbourne Cup Carnival, Australian Open, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, NBL and WNBL, Super Netball, and Netball World Cup 2027 in the lead up to LA 2028.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 runs from 1 October to 13 November, with all 52 matches live on Stan Sport and selected matches on 9Network and 9Now.
*Source: OzTAM © 2026, VOZ Data 5.0 Total TV, Reach (When Watched), 27/09/2026, National (incl. Spill), live match only.
