WR Ratifies Decision: MCG will not host the 2027 World Cup final

Alan Gilpin Defends Sydney’s Choice for the 2027 Rugby World Cup Final

World Rugby boss Alan Gilpin said he has no regrets about selecting Sydney’s Accor Stadium for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final, despite the thrilling encounter between the Wallabies and the British and Irish Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Gilpin, along with President Brett Robinson, Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh, and other dignitaries, participated in the presentation of ticket sales plans for the 2027 tournament, which will be held in seven host cities across Australia. The first entries will be available through the “Superfan” passes of 2027, which will allow lucky people to acquire four tickets for any of the 52 matches. These passes will go on sale next month, while the general pre-sale will begin in February 2026. The conversation naturally turned to the exciting match on Saturday at the MCG, which had a very controversial ending in the history of international rugby, with the review of Jac Morgan’s play that preceded Hugo Keenan’s try for the Lions, which generated debate about the decision of the 2027 final venue.

“No, we went through a really competitive process,” Gilpin said when asked if the match had missed the opportunity to take the final to the MCG, where 90,307 people gathered.

Alan Gilpin, Head of World Rugby

Gilpin highlighted the competitiveness among states and cities for sporting events, and mentioned Sydney’s excellent performance as the host of the 2003 World Cup semi-finals and final.

The atmosphere at the MCG during the second Test between the Wallabies and the Lions was incredible. Gilpin also highlighted the importance of Melbourne as the tournament venue and the quality of the stadiums in Perth, which did not exist in 2003. The MCG initially had strong support to host the final due to its capacity for 100,000 spectators and its proximity to the city center. However, it is understood that the Victorian state government submitted a low bid due to post-COVID financial difficulties, which almost cost them the possibility of hosting some matches. Melbourne will host seven group stage matches and two round of 16 matches, although it has not yet been confirmed whether they will be played at AAMI Park (capacity 30,000), Marvel Stadium (53,000) or the MCG. More than 2.5 million tickets will be available for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be distributed among Perth (opening match), Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Townsville, Newcastle and Sydney (final). Rugby Australia (RA) will focus on ensuring affordable prices, with a million tickets below AUD$100 and tickets starting from AUD$40 for adults, while children’s tickets will be available from AUD$20. The cheapest ticket to see the Wallabies at home during the event will be $100.