The 2027 Rugby World Cup runs from October 1 - November 13, 2027 in Australia and the TAB NZ have all the top Rugby World Cup odds and early predictions!

The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, set to run from October 1 to November 13, promises to be an expanded 24-team spectacle, offering a wealth of betting opportunities with TAB NZ long before kick-off.

Early outright winner odds are already available, with reigning champions South Africa and perennial contenders New Zealand often leading the market, closely followed by France and host nation Australia, who will benefit from home advantage.

The tournament’s new format, featuring six pools of four teams and a Round of 16, means more matches and strategic depth for punters to explore beyond just the final winner, with various match bets, pool winners, and player props becoming available as the competition draws closer.

Go for glory Down Under! Bet on the 2027 Rugby World Cup with TAB NZ and tackle the odds for a winning try!

 

Overview of the Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup comes around every four years and routinely attracts millions of attendees. World Rugby manages the event and awards the winning team with the (highly coveted) Webb Ellis Cup. This event is the world’s biggest rugby tournament, making it vital viewing for all of the sport’s fans. It started with 16 teams and now welcomes 24, but only four teams have won in the previous ten championships.

Fans and punters love their rugby because of its pure nail-biting intensity. There’s non-stop action, plenty of strategy, and dozens of matches in under two months. The Rugby World Cup betting odds also change after and during every match.

History of the Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World Cup started in 1987, with host nation New Zealand winning the first final against France. The idea was around as early as the 1950s, but it faced fierce opposition. Even the current tournament only passed on a 10-6 vote.

The championship has grown in the years since, increasing to 24 nations for 2027. South Africa and New Zealand are its most consistent winner—in fact, the former beat the latter to secure a record-breaking fourth title win in 2023. Looking at the competition’s milestones, New Zealand has the most overall points (2,888). In terms of attendance, 2017’s Ireland v. Romania match had a crowd of over 89,000 people, the highest for an individual game.

Format of the Tournament

This Rugby World Cup competition runs on a round-robin basis, meaning each team gets to face off against every other team, and every iconic rugby rivalry gets to play out. It all begins with the pool stage, which divides the teams into groups. The top 16 teams enter a round of 16 with single-elimination matches. The final eight then proceed to the quarter-finals.

This is quite different from previous years, where the winner and runners-up of each pool (eight teams) immediately advanced to the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals winners advance to the semi-finals, and the winners here face off in the tournament’s finale. The qualification process aims for a varied selection of European, Oceanian, American, African, and Asian teams to ensure a truly global contest.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Key Details

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia from October 1 to November 13, 2027, marking the 11th edition of the tournament and the first to feature an expanded 24-team format.

🏟️ Host Cities

Matches will be played across seven cities:

• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Brisbane
• Perth
• Adelaide
• Townsville
• Newcastle

📋 Tournament Format

• 24 teams will be divided into six pools of four.
• The top two teams from each pool, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to a Round of 16—a new addition to the World Cup structure.
• This format ensures more knockout-stage drama and gives emerging nations a better shot at progressing.

🏆 Defending Champions

• South Africa, who won the 2023 edition, will enter as the reigning champions.

2027’s tournament is still some time away, but we already know a lot about what you can expect. For example, there’ll be 24 teams instead of 20, leading to a major overhaul of the selection process. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming cup’s details:

Event Dates

The 2027 Rugby World Cup will start on 1 October and end on 13 November, meaning six weeks of constant rugby action instead of seven, creating a stronger momentum throughout the tournament. With 24 teams, there will be 52 matches: 36 “pool matches,” eight in the round of 16, four quarter-finals, two semi-finals, one bronze final, and one final.

Host Nation and Venues

Australia won their 2027 bid, making this their third time hosting, though their first was alongside New Zealand in 1987. 2027’s matches will take place across six stadiums in five of Australia’s states, namely:

• Accor Stadium (Sydney, New South Wales; 82,000 capacity)
• Newcastle International Sports Centre (Newcastle, NSW; 23,000 capacity)
• Adelaide Oval (Adelaide, South Australia; 53,500 capacity)
• Perth Stadium (Perth, Western Australia; 65,000 capacity)
• Lang Park (Brisbane, Queensland; 52,500 capacity)
• North Queensland Stadium (Townsville, Queensland; 25,000 capacity)

There’s also a chance of Melbourne Cricket Ground hosting the final, though it’s currently set for Accor Stadium.

Participating Teams

2027’s Rugby World Cup will have 24 teams for the first time, but the full roster is still unclear. Here are the teams already confirmed for the tournament:

• South Africa
• Japan
• England
• France
• Ireland
• Italy
• Scotland
• Wales
• Georgia
• Spain
• Portugal
• Romania
• Australia
• Fiji
• New Zealand
• Argentina

Regional tournaments decide the final eight spots, including an additional African team, three extra Pacific teams, and more. In terms of who to watch for, New Zealand and South Africa have been consistent winners.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting Odds

Here are the latest betting odds for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, highlighting the top contenders and their implied chances of lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Australia:

🏆 Top Favorites to Win

• South Africa – $3.00
  The reigning champions are aiming for a historic third consecutive title, backed by their physical and tactical prowess.

• New Zealand – $3.50
  The All Blacks are among the top favorites, with strong squad depth and a legacy of World Cup dominance.
• France – $5.00
  With a dynamic squad and recent international success, France is a serious contender.
• Ireland – $6.00
  Known for their consistency and tactical discipline, Ireland is a strong European challenger.
• England – $9.00
  A traditional powerhouse with a deep squad, England remains a threat despite recent form.
• Australia –$10
  As hosts, the Wallabies could ride home support deep into the tournament.

🌍 Longshots & Emerging Nations

• Japan, Samoa, Tonga
• Italy
• Portugal
• USA, Canada, Spain, Chile, Namibia

🔍 Key Insights

• South Africa, aiming for a historic third consecutive title, remains a close early favourite.
• New Zealand are second favourites after a narrow loss in the 2023 final.
• France and Ireland are strong European contenders, both with deep squads and recent form.
• Australia, as hosts, could benefit from home-field advantage and are seen as a potential dark horse.

Notably, only two of the top ten countries didn’t graduate to the quarterfinals and beyond. South Africa and New Zealand are also quite close, echoing their historic rivalry. Some bookmakers are even placing New Zealand above South Africa. It seems at least somewhat likely that one of them will win in 2027.

France and Ireland are above Australia and England, and, interestingly, the latter two are previous winners. This would be France or Ireland’s first time winning, but France has had three previous second-place showings.

Note, all 2027 Rugby World Cup odds are correct at time of publish and subject to change. 

How to Bet on the Rugby World Cup

Once you know the top odds for the Rugby World Cup, you’ll want to put these into practice. To avoid rushing or making hasty decisions, we always suggest that you take stock of the markets first—you could even wait for tipsters’ opinions. You can’t change a bet after making it; which is why it’s a good idea to only place your bets once you’re absolutely certain. In addition, it’s worth waiting until the tournament is properly underway to bet on the champion. After all, they might have a poor pool stage showing.

Betting on the Rugby World Cup with TAB NZ is simple and straightforward. Here’s how you can get in on the action:

• Log in or sign up with TAB NZ.
• Make a secure online deposit using one of the TAB NZ safe deposit methods.
• Check out the Rugby World Cup betting previews and our expert Rugby World Cup tips to make informed bets.
• Choose from the wide variety of Rugby World Cup bets available. There are many options, so make sure you check out all the betting markets on offer.
• Select the Rugby World Cup player or match you want to bet on.
• Select the ‘bet now’ option or add to a multi, then wait to see how your Rugby World Cup bets unfold!

Whether you’re betting on individual matches or the Rugby World Cup final, there’s no shortage of betting opportunities to explore. And don’t forget to visit the TAB NZ Punters Lounge and Sports Blog for expert insights and tips to guide your Rugby World Cup betting strategy.

Popular Betting Markets for the Rugby World Cup

There are more Rugby World Cup betting options than predicting who’ll win the championship. You can bet on specific games and players, possibly even while a match is underway. These live bets adapt to a game’s changing conditions. Here are four common bet types that’ll be in play for every 2027 Rugby World Cup match:

Match Winner

In Match Winner betting, you’re simply wagering on which team will win a specific game—either in regular time or including extra time, depending on the market. Some bookmakers also offer Draw No Bet, Handicap, and Winning Margin options for added flexibility

Points Spread Betting

Points Spread betting in the Rugby World Cup adds an exciting layer to wagering by leveling the playing field between mismatched teams. Instead of simply picking a winner, you bet on whether a team will win by more than a set number of points (the spread) or lose by fewer than that margin. For example, if South Africa is favoured by -10.5 points against Scotland, they must win by 11 or more for the bet to pay out. This format is especially popular in matches with clear favourites, offering better odds and more strategic betting opportunities.

Total Points Betting

Total Points betting in the Rugby World Cup lets you wager on the combined score of both teams in a match, regardless of who wins. Bookmakers set a projected total—say, 42.5 points—and you bet on whether the actual total will go over or under that number. It’s a great option when you expect a high-scoring thriller or a tight, defensive battle, and it adds excitement to every try, penalty, and conversion.

Try Scorer Betting

Try Scorer betting in the Rugby World Cup focuses on predicting which player will score a try during a match or throughout the tournament. You can bet on the first, last, or anytime try scorer, with odds reflecting a player’s position, form, and scoring history. Wingers and fullbacks often lead the markets due to their finishing roles, but savvy bettors also look for value in forwards during set-piece-heavy games. It’s a thrilling market that keeps every attacking move exciting.

2027 Rugby World Cup Betting

2027 Rugby World Cup Preview

Bet on the 2027 Rugby World Cup now!

Memorable Rugby World Cup Moments

Every action-packed rugby match has the capacity to create moments no viewer will ever forget. Fierce rivalries, shock match winners, and more can spring up at any time. Here are some especially fond scenes from past tournaments:

Iconic Matches and Performances

1995’s clash between New Zealand and South Africa is particularly legendary; this was South Africa’s Rugby World Cup debut. The Springboks won 15-12, and Nelson Mandela famously presented the trophy to captain François Pienaar.

2015’s Brighton Miracle was a major upset. Here, Japan beat South Africa in a pool game by two points, marking the latter’s first loss to a Tier 2 nation. Though Japan ultimately didn’t reach the knockouts, this was still a big shock.

Another standout moment is England’s 2003 victory, which was only possible due to Jonny Wilkinson’s extra-time drop goal. While England was a favourite to win, it seemed for a moment that the match would end in a 17-17 tie with Australia.

Past Rugby World Cup Champions

See below for the past Rugby World Cup champions, runners-up and final scores dating back to 1987.

Year	Winner	Runner-up	Final Score	Host Country
2023	South Africa	New Zealand	12–11	France
2019	South Africa	England	32–12	Japan
2015	New Zealand	Australia	34–17	England
2011	New Zealand	France	8–7	New Zealand
2007	South Africa	England	15–6	France
2003	England	Australia	20–17 (a.e.t.)	Australia
1999	Australia	France	35–12	Wales
1995	South Africa	New Zealand	15–12 (a.e.t.)	South Africa
1991	Australia	England	12–6	England/Europe
1987	New Zealand	France	29–9

Notes:

• “a.e.t.” = after extra time.
• South Africa has won the most titles (4), followed by New Zealand (3), Australia (2), and England (1).
• France has reached the final three times but has never won.

The All Blacks and Springboks consistently perform very well in the Rugby World Cup, making their signature rivalry practically inevitable. When they face off against each other, their matches have some of the tightest margins in Rugby World Cup history. Though France has never had a victory, they’ve been runners-up three times now, meaning they have a fair chance of winning an upcoming tournament. Australia is the third-most-frequent winner, but their last victory was six cups ago.

You can only make informed Rugby World Cup bets if you know the latest odds. Check TAB NZ regularly, and you’ll find live insights into 2027’s best bets.

Rugby World Cup 2027 Betting Info & Odds

As the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup gets closer, speculation is heating up about how the tournament will look, including which bets will be worth placing.

With 1.33 billion viewing hours in 2023, the Rugby World Cup is undeniably one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Let the TAB NZ guide you through what to expect from the 2027 Rugby World Cup tournament!

Top Teams and Players to Watch in the 2027 Rugby World Cup

Many of the top Rugby World Cup teams are returning in 2027, including every past winner. It’s possible that one of them will win the Rugby World Cup. Here’s a closer look at the teams and players worth keeping up with.

The 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia promises to be an expanded and thrilling spectacle, with 24 teams vying for the Webb Ellis Cup from October 1 to November 13. While it’s still over two years away, the landscape of international rugby is constantly evolving, and early predictions are already taking shape for the top contenders and breakout stars.

Top Teams to Watch:

• South Africa: As the two-time defending champions (2019, 2023), the Springboks will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. Their physical dominance, tactical acumen, and ability to peak at World Cups make them perennial favourites in betting on the Rugby World Cup 2025.
• New Zealand: The All Blacks are consistently among the top contenders, having lost the 2023 final by a single point. Their robust talent pipeline and historical success ensure they’ll be a formidable force.
• France: Despite a quarter-final exit in 2023 as hosts, France’s development trajectory, combined with a mature talent pool and strong professional structures, positions them as a major threat. They’ll be eager to finally lift the trophy after reaching three previous finals.
• Australia: As the 2027 Rugby World Cup host nation, the Wallabies will benefit immensely from home advantage. History shows host nations often overperform at World Cups, and Australia will be determined to make a deep run on familiar soil. Their recent coaching change, with Les Kiss set to take over in mid-2026, signals a long-term vision towards 2027.
• Ireland: Despite their consistent Six Nations success, Ireland is still chasing a breakthrough beyond the quarter-finals at a World Cup. With a strong player development system, they will be looking to shed that tag in 2027.
• England: Reaching the semi-finals in 2023, England will be a consistent presence. They have a strong Premiership system that produces talent, and will be looking to build on recent performances.
• Argentina: The Pumas consistently punch above their weight at World Cups, having reached the semi-finals multiple times. Their passion and physicality make them a dangerous opponent for any top team.
• Fiji: Representing the emerging forces, Fiji’s growing professional contingent and unique attacking flair make them a dark horse capable of upsetting higher-ranked teams, as seen in 2023.

Teams with Strong Past Performances

South Africa won the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time in 2023. They’re in the running to win in 2027 as well; this would be their third win in a row. They also won 2024’s Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, beating New Zealand by eight points. However, New Zealand’s All Blacks are still a favourite among many bookmakers. With their rugby odds, World Cup glory may be in their sights once again. Despite their loss above, they’re consistently in the Rugby World Cup’s top three.

Ireland has historically never reached the Rugby World Cup’s top four. However, they’re an underdog for 2027, partly due to their back-to-back victories at the Six Nations. They’re also often quite high up on the World Rugby rankings.

Key Players to Follow

Teams may change dramatically before (or during) the Rugby World Cup. For example, there’s still time for 2023 top scorer Owen Farrell to return to England. A good way to see who’s worth following is to check recent international rugby awards. For example, here are the past few Men’s 15s Player of the Year winners:

• 2024: Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa)
• 2023: Ardie Savea (New Zealand)
• 2022: Josh van der Flier (Ireland)

New Zealand’s Mark Tele’a and Wallace Sititi have also both recently won World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year awards. Their relatively young ages mean they’re more likely to stick around until 2027.

Ultimately, time will tell which players dominate the competition—it could even be someone new to international rugby.

Key Players to Watch (Emerging and Established):

Many established stars from the 2023 World Cup will still be at the peak of their powers, while a new crop of talent will have four more years of development. Keep an eye on:

Emerging Talents:

• Sam Prendergast (Ireland): A highly-touted fly-half expected to fill the void left by Johnny Sexton.
• Posolo Tuilagi (France): A giant lock who impressed at the U20s level and could be a dominant force by 2027.
• Henry Arundell (England): The explosive winger who has already shown his try-scoring prowess on the international stage.
• Irakli Aptsiauri (Georgia): A strong tight-head prop who is part of Georgia’s impressive front-row production line.
• Macca Springer (New Zealand): A promising fullback/winger who was the top try-scorer at the U20s World Championship.
• Jamie Osborne (Ireland): A versatile back who could solidify a key midfield position for Ireland.
• Brian Gleeson (Ireland): A powerful young number eight from Ireland’s U20 “golden generation.”

Established Stars (likely to still be key figures):

• Antoine Dupont (France): Still arguably the best player in the world, his influence will be pivotal.
• Siya Kolisi (South Africa): The inspirational captain, if still playing, will be central to the Springboks’ campaign.
• Ardie Savea (New Zealand): A dynamic force for the All Blacks.
• Damian Penaud (France): A prolific try-scorer from the wing.
• Ellis Genge (England): A cornerstone of the English pack.
• Caelan Doris (Ireland): A world-class back-rower.
• Eben Etzebeth (South Africa): A towering presence in the second row.
• Will Jordan (New Zealand): A clinical finisher and dangerous attacking threat.

The next few years will see a fascinating build-up, with club form, international tours, and potential injuries all playing a role in shaping the final squads and odds for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby World Cup Stats and Insights

Knowing the sport’s stats will help you place better bets. You must, at a minimum, know how well a team or player performs on average. This won’t always perfectly forecast their future performance, but it’s a good baseline to follow. Here’s a closer look at specific teams and players alongside long-term trends that can help you:

Team and Player Performance Stats

Looking purely at the stats, it’s no surprise that South Africa and New Zealand are major favourites for 2027. Records these teams hold currently include:

• Most wins: South Africa (4)
• Most semi-finals: New Zealand (9)
• Most log points: New Zealand (238)

There are only two tournaments where New Zealand wasn’t in the top three. This alone shows their strength going into 2027. As for players, here were 2023’s top scorers:

1. Owen Farrell (England, 75 points)
2. Thomas Ramos (France, 74)
3. Emiliano Boffelli (Argentina, 67)
4. Johnny Sexton (Ireland, 58)
5. Richie Mo’unga (New Zealand, 56)

Any of the above returning for 2027 will be worth watching.

Recent Trends in International Rugby

Teams with strong historic performances have broadly managed to carry this into their current games. For example, New Zealand has the most overall points (over 18,000 since their 1903 debut) and still regularly dominates Rugby World Cup matches. Perhaps the most notable trend, however, is the Rugby World Cup’s past winners. The last time a team other than New Zealand or South Africa won was in 2003. This is a big part of why their odds are so low.

This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team.