Boks begin 2027 Rugby World Cup title defence with Italy clash

World Rugby has announced the fixtures for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with defending champions South Africa opening their campaign in Adelaide. The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature 52 matches, with tickets going on sale on 18 February.

RUGBY NEWS - Current champions South Africa will open their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign in Australia with a match against Italy at the Adelaide Oval on 3 October, with kick-off at 05:45 (SA time).

The Citizen reports it was announced earlier today when World Rugby released the fixture schedule for the tournament.

Hosts Australia will face Hong Kong China in the opening game on 1 October in Perth, with kick-off at 12:45.

Pool B opponents and fixtures

The Boks, who not only won the world cup in France in 2023 but also in Japan in 2019, to go with triumphs in 1995 and 2007, are in Pool B at the world cup.

Their other two matches in pool action at the tournament will be played on Sunday, 10 October, at 08:45 in Brisbane against Georgia and Sunday, 17 October, at 13:15 in Perth against Romania.

Knockout stages and final

For the first time at a Rugby World Cup there will be a round of 16 on the weekend of 23 and 24 October 2027, with the quarter-finals on 30 and 31 October.

The semi-finals will take place on Friday and Saturday, 5 and 6 November, with the final scheduled for 13 November, in Sydney.

Tournament format and tickets

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will feature 52 matches, with tickets going on sale on 18 February.

This 11th edition of the World Cup will also, for the first time, comprise 24 teams and be played in seven cities in Australia.

Zimbabwe will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1991, while Hong Kong China will be on debut.

Article: Caxton Network News