WR Ratifies Decision: Accor Stadium to Host the 2027 World Cup Final

World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin has expressed his satisfaction with the choice of Sydney’s Accor Stadium as the venue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, despite the exciting match between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions at the MCG. Gilpin, along with President Brett Robinson and Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh, participated in the presentation of ticket sales plans for the 2027 tournament, which will be held in seven Australian cities. The first available entries will be the “Superfan” passes for 2027, which will allow lucky people to buy four tickets for any of the 52 matches. These tickets will go on sale next month, while a wider pre-sale will begin in February 2026. The recent match between the Lions and the Wallabies at the MCG generated an atmosphere of anticipation, with a controversial ending that divided opinions. The decision not to hold the final at the MCG generated debate among fans.

“No, we went through a really competitive process,” Gilpin said when asked if an opportunity had been missed by not taking the final to the MCG, where 90,307 people gathered.

Alan Gilpin, head of World Rugby

Sydney, which hosted the semi-finals and final of the 2003 World Cup, was chosen to host the 2027 final. Gilpin highlighted the competitiveness between cities to host sporting events and praised Melbourne’s facilities.

Although the MCG had strong support to host the final due to its capacity and proximity to the city center, the Victorian state government submitted a lower bid, which led to Sydney being selected. 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 below 100 Australian dollars, and prices will start at 40 Australian dollars for adults and 20 Australian dollars for children.