Wallabies vs Hong Kong to kick off 2027 RWC
Hosts Australia will face debutants Hong Kong in the opening game of the 2027 World Cup.
The Wallabies, two-time winners, will take on the new boys in Pool A on 1 October to start the tournament at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium.
The standout fixture in that group sees Australia face three-time champions New Zealand on 9 October at Stadium Australia in Sydney, after the All Blacks play Chile a week earlier.
“To kick off our campaign against Hong Kong will be special given it’s their first time in a World Cup and we always feel incredibly well supported in Perth,” said Wallabies captain Harry Wilson.
“New Zealand a week later in Sydney will obviously be a massive occasion.
“Personally, I’m thrilled our third pool game is in my home city of Brisbane against Chile who are one of the rapidly improving nations in World Rugby and will be a massive challenge.”
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The Springboks begin their bid for a historic third straight title against Italy on 3 October. Other high-profile pool-stage games include England playing Wales on 16 October and Ireland against Scotland on 10 October in an expanded tournament featuring 24 teams for the first time.
Zimbabwe will return to the competition for the first time since 1991 and meet Wales in their opener on 2 October in Adelaide.
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Antoine Dupont’s France begin their campaign against the USA on the same day in Melbourne.
“The wait is over,” said World Rugby chair Brett Robinson. “This is the moment teams and fans have been waiting for and the start of their Rugby World Cup 2027 journey.
“We’ve assembled the most compelling match schedule to date, carefully designed to balance player welfare, fan experience and global reach.”
– AFP