The eyes of the sporting world have been be drawn to France this autumn as the Rugby World Cup 2023 now approaches its denouement.
Les Bleus, the hosts, were looking to win their first ever world title, but after both they and world No.1 team Ireland suffered surprise quarter-final exits, it's once again a battle between South Africa and New Zealand in the final.
Before the tournament started, the Springboks looked to be good value to go all the way and defend the crown they won in 2019. While the All Blacks are peaking at the right time, clinching a dominant win over Argentina to reach the final.
The Sporting News provides all the details on the 2027 iteration and where it will be hosted.
MORE: Rugby World Cup warm up matches: How teams fared in buildup to France 2023
Where is the Rugby World Cup being held in 2027?
Australia will be the hosts of the 2027 World Cup after — in a double announcement — they were awarded the 2027 men's tournament and 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup.
Argentina and Russia both withdrew their initial bids to host in 2027, meaning Australia will get to stage the tournament for a third time in their history. They were co-hosts of the inaugral Rugby World Cup with New Zealand in 1987, before hosting the 2003 tournament — in which they lost to England in a dramatic final.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said: "This is an historic day for rugby in Australia. We’re beyond thrilled to be welcoming not one, but two Rugby World Cups to our shores. It’s a game-changer for rugby in this country, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and secure the future of the sport here and see the game we all love grow and thrive for years to come.
"We look forward to working together with World Rugby, our member unions and Government partners over the coming years to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity and continue the resurgence of rugby in this country."
Legends emerge from the shadows 🏆 #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/CuKV20D7A5
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 25, 2023
Rugby World Cup 2027 venues
Australian rugby chiefs have shortlisted 12 venues, across nine cities in the country, to act as official venues for the 2027 World Cup.
They include Sydney's Stadium Australia — which hosted the 2023 Women's World Cup final — the Docklands Stadium in Melbourne and the Adelaide Oval, which also hosts Test cricket.
The cities are: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle, Canberra and Townsville.
Who will compete in Rugby World Cup 2027?
The first confirmed team for the 2027 tournament was Australia, who qualified automatically as hosts.
Another 11 teams have since gained automatic qualification for the tournament by finishing in the top three of their pool in the 2023 World Cup, with 20 teams in total competing. Those teams are: South Africa, New Zealand, England, Argentina, Ireland, France, Wales, Fiji, Scotland, Italy and Japan.
The remaining spots in what's widely reported to be an expanded 24-team tournament will be allocated through teams competing in a global qualification process. There will either be eight more places, or 12, depending on whether organisers agree to a total of 20 or 24 teams.
World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin is driving the expansion plans and spoke of “very positive signs” after the encouraging performances of unfancied teams like Chile and Portugal in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.