Media advisory - not for publication

Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will begin the countdown to the most ambitious Men's Rugby World Cup ever, bringing fandom to Sydney across Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October as it celebrates one year to go until the tournament kicks off on 1 October 2027.

Set against the backdrop of Sydney Harbour, First Fleet Park will be transformed into Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 HQ for a two-day countdown celebration, with live entertainment and interactive experiences offering fans a taste of what’s to come when Rugby World Cup fever sweeps across Australia in just over one year’s time.

To mark the milestone, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, Chris Stanley, will be joined by The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs & Tourism, Phil Waugh, CEO Rugby Australia, Tim Horan, two-time Rugby World Cup winner and former Australian International, Les Kiss, Wallabies Head Coach, Nick Cummins, former Australian International and Alicia Lucas, Olympic gold medallist and former Australian rugby sevens player, alongside current Wallaby, Jeremy Williams. 

The milestone coincides with tickets going on sale for matches across all seven Host Cities, with fans having their next chance to secure their spot at what will be a once-in-a-generation sporting event for the nation.  

KEY EVENT DETAILS

• Date: Thursday, 1 October 2026
• Time (AEST):
  • 09:15:Media arrival
  • 09:30: Media conference
  • 10:00: Photo & vision opportunities
  • 10:15: Event concludes
• Location: First Fleet Park, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000
• Speakers and interview talents
  • Chris Stanley, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director
  • The Hon Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport and Minister for Jobs & Tourism
  • Phil Waugh, CEO Rugby Australia
  • Tim Horan, two-time Rugby World Cup winner and former Australian International
  • Les Kiss, Wallabies Head Coach
  • Nick Cummins, former Australian International
  • Alicia Lucas, Olympic gold medallist and former Australian rugby sevens player
  • Jeremy Williams, current Wallaby

Key visuals and media opportunities:

• Large-scale activation celebrating Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027
• Webb Ellis Cup
• Talent interviews and media Q&A with key spokespeople
• Rights-free pictures and video news release                                                                                                            

NICK CUMMINS LOOKALIKE CONTEST

• DATE: Friday, 2 October
• TIME: Photo and vision opportunities from 12:00pm AEST
• LOCATION: First Fleet Park, The Rocks, Sydney NSW 2000.

Competition Terms & Conditions accessible here.

NOTES TO EDITORS

• Media are encouraged to register their interest in attending via the contacts below.
• Please advise of 1:1 interview requests with spokespersons in advance.
• VNR and rights-free pictures including Host City assets will be available after the media conference here and on the Media Zone.
• For additional details or enquiries, please contact the PR team listed below.

Media RSVP & questions

Stephanie Edwards – Communications & PR Manager
Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027
E: stephanie.edwards@australia.rwc.rugby 
M: 0448 881 896 

Kirsty Johansen – Senior Communications Manager 
Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 
E: kirsty.johansen@australia.rwc.rugby 
M: 0412 853 884