Townsville is officially on the world stage, locking in a major role for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and becoming the only regional Queensland location chosen to host four pool‑stage matches.
Across two huge weeks in October 2027, eight international teams will run out at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, bringing global attention and a major economic boost, estimated around $30M, to North Queensland. Fans can expect to see Georgia, Romania, Chile, Hong Kong China, Tonga, Zimbabwe, Spain and Canada battle it out.
Townsville’s World Cup schedule begins on 3 October, before rolling into a Friday night showdown on 9 October, and finishing with a blockbuster back‑to‑back weekend on 15–16 October.
Sport Minister Tim Mander says the decision to bring World Cup fixtures to Townsville is a win for both fans and the local economy, with the event tipped to deliver significant benefits for businesses, tourism operators and the wider community.
Townsville’s selection highlights its growing reputation as a major events destination. Queensland Country Bank Stadium has already proven it can host world‑class sport, and the World Cup will further cement its status on the national and international stage.
Local leaders say the matches will showcase the region’s hospitality, culture and sporting passion to a global audience — while giving North Queenslanders the rare chance to experience Rugby World Cup action in their own backyard.
Rugby fans across the North are being encouraged to sign up early to avoid missing out on what’s shaping up to be a once‑in‑a‑generation sporting moment for the region.
