Twenty-four years on, Sydney's Olympic Stadium will once again host the competition from 1 October to 13 November, World Rugby announced on

Almost a quarter of a century after one of the most heartbreaking moments in Australian sport, the Rugby World Cup is returning to the scene of the crime.

World Rugby have confirmed the host cities for the 2027 Rugby World Cup with Sydney set to host the global showpiece's four biggest matches.

WA has been overlooked to host a Rugby World Cup quarter final in 2027, with Optus Stadium deemed not large enough for one of the tournament’s knockout matches despite being Australia’s third-biggest stadium.

Sydney is the big winner in the battle between Australian states to host matches at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Sydney’s Accor Stadium has been confirmed as venue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup final. The 82,000-capacity Homebush venue will also stage both of the tournament’s semi-finals, the playoff for third and two quarter-finals

Despite rumours of the sport's showpiece being held in Melbourne, it will return to Stadium Australia for a second time.

The 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup will take place in seven Australian cities, culminating in a grand finale at Sydney's Accor Stadium. The 83,000-seat venue, also referred to as Sydney's Olympic Stadium, hosted the exciting 2003 final when England clinched the coveted title.