Alan Gilpin Defends Sydney’s Choice for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin has expressed his satisfaction with the decision to choose Sydney’s Accor Stadium as the venue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, despite the success of the match between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions at the MCG. Gilpin, along with chairman Brett Robinson and Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh, took part in the unveiling of the ticket sales plans for the tournament, which will be played in seven Australian cities. The first available entries will be the “Superfan” passes for 2027, which will offer the opportunity to buy four tickets for any of the 52 matches. These passes will go on sale next month, and the general presale will begin in February 2026. The conversation focused on the exciting match on Saturday at the MCG, which had a controversial ending in the history of international rugby.Gilpin highlighted the competitiveness between cities to host sporting events and praised Sydney, which already hosted the semi-finals and the final of the World Cup in 2003. He also mentioned the importance of Melbourne in the tournament and the quality of the stadiums in Perth.No, we went through a very competitive process. The incredible thing is that there is such a competitive environment between states and cities for sporting events. Sydney did their best and were incredible hosts of the semi-finals and the final of the World Cup in 2003; I had the privilege of being there then and they will be again in ’27.
Alan Gilpin, head of World Rugby
The MCG originally had strong support to host the final due to its 100,000-spectator capacity and proximity to the city center, but it is understood that the Victorian state government reduced its bid due to a difficult financial period.
Melbourne will host seven group stage matches and two round of 16 matches. More than 2.5 million tickets will be available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with affordable prices for fans. There will be a million tickets available for less than 100 Australian dollars, with prices starting at 40 Australian dollars for adults and 20 Australian dollars for children. The cheapest ticket to see the Wallabies at home during the event will be 100 dollars.
