Game On: 2027 Rugby World Cup Venues Unveiled

With the recent announcement of the selected venues for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, anticipation is building for what promises to be the tournament’s most expansive edition yet. From October 1 to November 12, 24 teams will compete across some of Australia’s most storied stadiums—where architecture and sport converge to create unforgettable experiences. Of the nine venues selected, COX has proudly played a role in designing six.
More than just a tournament, the 2027 Rugby World Cup is a defining moment in Australian rugby’s “golden decade” of events. The world cup – expected to draw over 250,000 international visitors and generate an economic boost exceeding $2 billion – it reinforces Australia’s status as a world-class host. Positioned between this year’s British and Irish Lions tour, the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, the event highlights Australia’s ability to design and deliver extraordinary sporting experiences—where stadiums are more than venues.

The Host Cities and Their Role
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be played in stadiums across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Townsville—each city contributing its unique character and architectural identity to the tournament. These world-class venues are not only a testament to Australia’s rich rugby history but are equipped to deliver an unparalleled spectator experience for fans from around the globe.
Multi-Use Rectangular Stadia
Purpose-built to host rugby league, rugby union, and soccer, these rectangular stadiums also offer the flexibility to accommodate a variety of alternative events, from concerts to community and cultural gatherings.
Allianz Stadium – Sydney, NSW

Reopening in 2022, Allianz Stadium is a purpose-built rugby and soccer venue designed to foster a deep connection between players and fans. As a versatile, multi-use rectangular stadium also hosting cultural and community events. With steep seating tiers that bring spectators closer to the action, the design amplifies the intensity of every match. The stadium’s layout ensures an electric atmosphere, setting a benchmark for modern rugby venues.
AAMI Park – Melbourne, VIC

Opened in 2010, AAMI Park is a prime example of a purpose-built rectangular stadium designed to enhance live sport through its unique bio-frame roof, which optimises both sightlines and acoustics. The design responds to its unique location within Melbourne’s Sporting and Entertainment precinct through the integration of a multi-code and multi-use sports campus, providing a rectangular pitch stadium for its major tenants. Whether hosting international rugby or club rivalries, the venue delivers an immersive experience, ensuring fans feel at the heart of the action. Intimate yet high-energy, AAMI Park is one of Australia’s premier rugby venues.
Queensland Country Bank Stadium – Townsville, QLD

Opened in 2020, Queensland Country Bank Stadium was built on the city’s doorstep to attract the best entertainment and sports to North Queensland. Its open-air design, shaded seating, and natural airflow celebrate the region’s tropical climate while ensuring an exceptional experience for players and fans. The stadium’s thoughtful design strengthens the connection between the sport and its community, offering a world-class setting for elite rugby.
Adaptable Multi-Sport Stadiums
With large capacities and in central locations, these stadiums are primarily designed for oval sports but also adapt to host rectangular events, offering versatility for a variety of athletic and entertainment experiences.
Optus Stadium – Perth, WA

Designed by Hassell, COX and HKS Sport and Entertainment, Optus Stadium opened in 2018 as a multi-purpose venue with a 60,000-seat capacity. While designed primarily for AFL and cricket, the stadium has proven to be a world-class rugby venue, hosting Wallabies Tests and Bledisloe Cup clashes. Its adaptable seating configurations and advanced facilities ensure an outstanding spectator experience for rugby fans. The Bledisloe Cup is set to return to Perth on October 4, 2025, where the Wallabies will face the All Blacks in a match that will undoubtedly showcase Optus Stadium’s world-class capabilities.
Adelaide Oval – Adelaide, SA

A historic venue dating back to 1871, Adelaide Oval was reimagined by COX into a modern, world-class stadium. While synonymous with AFL and cricket, it hosted its first Wallabies Test in 2004 and has welcomed major international teams in recent years. The venue’s intimate yet grand setting ensures an exciting atmosphere for rugby, making it a versatile addition to the tournament lineup.
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – Melbourne, VIC

As Australia’s largest stadium, the MCG has been a focal point for major sporting events since its opening in 1853. COX’s design of the Northern Stand introduced a significant upgrade, improving seating, sightlines, and amenities. Much like Optus Stadium and Adelaide Oval, the MCG is primarily known for AFL and cricket, but has been the backdrop of many pivotal rugby moments, including the 2003 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and numerous Bledisloe Cup clashes. Its design meets the unique demands of rugby, accommodating large crowds while retaining optimal viewing angles, comfort, and acoustics.

Since hosting the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Australia has strengthened its reputation for world-class sports architecture, ensuring exceptional experiences for fans, athletes, and the wider community. This commitment is evident in the upcoming 2027 tournament, where six of the designated venues have been newly built or redeveloped, resulting in state-of-the-art, multi-use stadiums that rival the best in the world.
These newly developed and adapted venues reflect a modern vision of what a world-class sports experience should be. They’re not only designed for rugby, but for versatility, allowing them to host a wide range of events. This approach ensures that the infrastructure will continue to serve Australian communities long after the final whistle blows in 2027.
The 2027 Rugby World Cup will not only deliver thrilling matches but also highlight Australia’s dedication to both the sport and the architecture that supports it. As the world turns its attention to rugby, the venues will stand as a testament to the power of design in enhancing fan experience, boosting player performance, and shaping the future of sports in Australia.