Men's Rugby World Cup 2027: one year to go

Men's Rugby World Cup 2027: One Year To Go

On Friday, 1 October, 2027, Australia and Hong Kong China will run out at Perth Stadium in Perth | Boorloo to open Men's Rugby World Cup 2027. That is now exactly one year away.

One year. Twenty-four teams. Fifty-two matches. One ball.

As rugby's original brand, founded in 1823 and the official ball of every Rugby World Cup since 1995, we know a thing or two about the build-up to the game's biggest stage. With 12 months to go, here is everything you need to know about Australia 2027, and how to make the most of the countdown.

1. Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 at a glance

This is the biggest tournament the men's game has ever staged. For the first time, 24 teams will compete across six pools of four. The top two in each pool progress to a brand-new round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams. From there it is quarter-finals, semi-finals and, on Saturday, 13 November, 2027, the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal.

The pools are set:

Pool A: New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Hong Kong China
Pool B: South Africa, Italy, Georgia, Romania
Pool C: Argentina, Fiji, Spain, Canada
Pool D: Ireland, Scotland, Uruguay, Portugal
Pool E: France, Japan, USA, Samoa
Pool F: England, Wales, Tonga, Zimbabwe

2. The matches already in our diary

Some fixtures sell themselves. Here are the ones we will be watching closest.

Friday, 1 October: Australia v Hong Kong China, Perth Stadium. The hosts open the tournament against RWC debutants, a proud moment for a union making its first appearance on rugby's biggest stage.
Sunday, 3 October: South Africa v Italy, Adelaide Oval. Men's Rugby World Cup 2023 was won by South Africa, and their bid for a third title in a row starts in Adelaide | Tarntanya.
Saturday, 9 October: Australia v New Zealand, Sydney | Gadigal. This will be the first time these two neighbours have met in the pool phase of a Rugby World Cup. Expect fireworks.
Sunday, 17 October: This is the final day of the pool phase, with five matches including Ireland v Uruguay, Scotland v Portugal and France v Samoa. Every point and every try could decide who makes the round of 16.
Saturday, 13 November: The final takes place at Stadium Australia, where one team will lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

England and Wales have also been drawn together in Pool F, so one of the oldest rivalries in the game is heading to the other side of the world.

3. One ball, built for Australia

Every Rugby World Cup ball tells a story, and this one belongs to the host nation.

In December 2025, Gilbert and World Rugby extended their partnership through to 2033. That confirms Gilbert as Official Ball Supplier for every Rugby World Cup in Australia and the USA. When the opening match kicks off in Perth | Boorloo, it will be a Gilbert ball in the players' hands.

The design is built around the Land, Sea and Sky pattern, which draws on First Nations artistic styles from right across Australia:

Land: patterns depicting hills, country and coastline
Sea: representing both saltwater and freshwater
Sky: symbols of the sun, stars and wind

The ball is finished in a striking orange inspired by the Australian sun and its distinctive earth tones, so it certainly looks the part. More importantly, it is built to perform when it matters most, with the consistent flight and reliable grip the world's best players trust.

You do not have to wait a year to get your hands on one. The Rugby World Cup 2027 Replica Ball is available now in Size 5, Size 4, Midi and Mini. It is ready for the training pitch, the back garden or pride of place on the shelf.

4. Twelve months to get match fit

Every player who runs out in Australia started somewhere, whether that was a muddy club pitch, a school field or a back garden with a ball and a dream. The next generation is out there right now, and a Rugby World Cup year is the perfect moment to inspire them.

A year is a long time in rugby. It is a full campaign of training sessions, matches and small improvements that add up. Whether you are a player sharpening your skills or a coach building a squad, the right kit makes the difference.

That starts with the ball. Using the right size for your age group builds confidence, sharper handling and better technique. Not sure which one you need? Our Rugby Ball Guide walks you through size, level and surface.

Coaches and club volunteers, if the Rugby World Cup buzz is bringing new faces to training, make sure you are ready for them. Our Club Bulk Promotions offer great savings on balls, tackle equipment and training kit for the whole squad.

5. The RWC 2027 collection is only getting started

The replica ball is just the beginning. The rest of the Rugby World Cup 2027 collection lands from October 2026 and throughout 2027, including:

Official Match Ball: the ball that will be in play from the opening match to the final
Official Supporter Balls: built for fans to celebrate the tournament
Limited Edition Final Ball: a true collector's piece
RWC 2027 Country Balls: so you can back your nation all the way

Whether you are building a collection, kitting out a club or looking for the perfect gift for the rugby fan in your life, there is plenty more to come. Head to our Men's Rugby World Cup 2027 page to discover the full story behind the ball and be first to know when each new release drops.

6. The countdown is on

One year from now, the eyes of the rugby world turn to Australia. From the opening match in Perth | Boorloo to the final in Sydney | Wangal, 24 teams will chase the most famous trophy in the game.

From the first kick-off to the final whistle, the Gilbert ball will be there, just as it has been for more than 200 years. Start your countdown with the Rugby World Cup 2027 Replica Ball.

Enjoyed this? There is plenty more on the Gilbert Rugby News Hub. You can get the full lowdown in Everything You Need to Know: The RWC 2027 Ball, or go Behind the Design to see how the ball was created. You can also travel back to where it all began with Heritage Series: The Ball That Started a Sport.