‘Extraordinary’ Sydney Spectaculars – Page 2

‘Superfan Passes’ Sell Out In Less Than A Minute!

World Rugby has announced that the Superfan Passes for the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 have sold out in less than a minute.

The sale begun on August 5 at 2pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (UTC+10).

There were only 2027 Superfan Passes on sale. Superfan Passes are not match tickets but are personal non-transferable passes that gave the buyer guaranteed access in February 2026 but before the closed pre-sale to purchase up to 4 tickets per match for any match up to a total maximum of 52 tickets.

The announcement was made on August 5 at 2:01pm AEST (UTC+10) – indicating they sold out in less than a minute.

The Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

We were delighted to introduce last week the Superfan Passes, an exciting innovation & a 1st at a Rugby World Cup, in direct response to what we’ve consistently heard from fans: a desire for certainty & a way to truly go all-in on the tournament – but we obviously didn’t expect such a phenomenal response. To see all Superfan Passes sell out in under an hour shows just how excited fans are to be part of the biggest Rugby World Cup ever organised & this once-in-a-generation celebration of rugby in Australia.
Chris Stanley, ‘Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027’ Managing Director

Download An iCalendar ‘Superfan Pass’ Sale Reminder!

World Rugby released an Internet Calendaring & Scheduling Core Object Specification (iCalendar) reminder for the Superfan Pass sale!

Download it here!

This was announced on August 3 – just under 48 hours prior to the Superfan Pass sale.

The Superfan Passes are personal non-transferable passes that gave the buyer guaranteed access in February but before the closed pre-sale to purchase up to 4 tickets per match for any match up to a total maximum of 52 tickets. A Superfan Pass cost AUD$750. They were limited to 1 per person & cannot be resold. If you purchased a Superfan Pass, match tickets are still sold for a separate but normal retail price.

The Superfan Passes went on sale on August 5 at 2pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC+10), with only 2027 Superfan Passes on sale.

The Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

‘Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027’ Ticketing Programme Unveiled

Correction: The original article said the Superfan passes gave the buyer guaranteed access before January. It has since been found to be in February but before the closed pre-sale.

World Rugby has unveiled the ticketing programme for the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 at an event in Sydney/Gadigal.

The event & subsequent announcement was held on July 29.

Over 2.5 million tickets are available – the most ever offered for sale for the Rugby World Cup – with 1.5 million (60%) selling for over AUD$100 for every tournament stage with pool match tickets starting at AUD$40 for adults. Adult tickets for Wallabies (Australian team) matches will start from AUD$65.

Tickets for children (aged 2+) start at AUD$20 for every match except for the final & semi-finals. Children aged under 2 can attend for free.

The online ticketing platform has no hidden fees & is fully accessible. Fans will be able to purchase wheelchair bay seats alongside free companion tickets & easy access seating will be available for those with specific mobility or accessibility needs.

All revenue generated by Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will be reinvested in rugby union, supporting World Rugby’s global growth ambition, its’ 134 member unions & 6 regional associations.

The 1st tickets went on sale on Wednesday July 30 when ticket-inclusive Premium Experience & Hospitality Packages for selected matches became available online. Available for only 8 matches including the opening match and the final, these packages included immersive experiences.

On the 5th of August at 2pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) (UTC+10), 2027 new Superfan Passes were sold online. These weren’t tickets but instead are personal non-transferable passes that gave the buyer guaranteed access in February but before the closed pre-sale to purchase up to 4 tickets per match for any match up to a total maximum of 52 tickets. A Superfan Pass cost AUD$750. They were limited to 1 per person & cannot be resold. If you purchased a Superfan Pass, match tickets are still sold for a separate but normal retail price (see above for match ticket prices).

In January, a range of domestic & international travel packages will go on sale. These will include tickets, travel, accommodation & tour experiences.

If you register on the official event website & create a ticketing account before the end of January, you can access the closed pre-sale, which will feature all matches & all price categories, in February.

A general application phase for further tickets will then be held for 3 weeks in May. During this phase, you can request tickets for any match and price category, which if the latter receives more requests than available tickets, a ballot system will be implemented to ensure fairness.

The match schedule will be announced in January.

The pool draw will be held in December with the bands being determined by the World Rugby Men’s Rankings.

Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 is expected to attract 250,000 international visitors over the 6-week event from 1 October-13 November 2027.

Key Dates

Wednesday 30 July 2025 – Premium Experience & Hospitality Packages on sale
Tuesday 5 August 2025 at 2pm AEST (UTC+10) – Superfan Passes on sale
December 2025 – Pool Draw
January 2026 – Domestic & International Travel Packages on sale
January 2026 – Match schedule announced
End of January 2026 – Closed Pre-Sale registration closes
February 2026 – Superfan Passholders ticket purchases open
After but in February 2026 – Closed Pre-Sale
May 2026 for 3 weeks – General Application Phase

This ticketing program has been designed with 1 simple principle: put the fans first. For the 1st time in over 2 decades, the Rugby World Cup returns to Australian shores & we’re determined to make it bigger, bolder and more accessible than ever before.

With more than 2.5 million tickets available, a wide range of pricing options & innovations like the Superfan Pass, we’re giving every fan — whether lifelong supporter or 1st-time attendee — the chance to be part of something truly special.

Rugby World Cup 2027 is more than a tournament. It’s a celebration of everything great about our game. It’s about reigniting the love for rugby, inspiring a new generation & showcasing our values to the world. We want every ticket, every cheer, every moment to help grow the game worldwide.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair

CBS Entertainment Group To Broadcast ‘Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29’ In The USA

World Rugby has announced CBS Entertainment Group will broadcast the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 in the United States Of America (USA).

The announcement was made on May 23 this year.

Streaming platform, Paramount +, will stream live & on-demand every match of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 with select matches airing on linear platforms, CBS Broadcasting Inc. & CBS Sports Network.

Today’s announcement is a generational moment for rugby in the United States. This landmark partnership with CBS Sports and Paramount+ is tangible proof of our commitment to grow the game by connecting great rugby with sports fans wherever they are.

With their incredible reach and storytelling pedigree, CBS Sports and Paramount+ will be instrumental in building a coast-to-coast rugby community in a country already boasting over 800,000 players, a dynamic college system, a huge growth rise in women’s rugby, growing men’s professional league & a fanbase of nearly 40 million.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive

By adding these championship events to our platforms, we’re elevating rugby’s presence nationwide and providing fans for the 1st time unmatched access to some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions.
Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports Programming Executive Vice-President

While the CBS Sports Programming Executive Vice-President announced the broadcast deal as “elevating rugby’s presence nationwide” & “providing fans for the 1st time unmatched access to some of the sport’s most prestigious competitions” in 2023, when the last Rugby World Cup (men’s edition) was held, all matches were streamed live on Peacock with select matches on NBC & CNBC – thus meaning in 2027 – the year of the next tournament – the broadcast won’t be “elevated” or providing fans “for the 1st time unmatched access”. It will be the same as 2023. It should be pointed out that coverage of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 will be the same as the Rugby World Cup – England 2025, adding to the lack of ‘elevation’ & “unmatched access” by tournament time in 2029.

The Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027 with the men’s tournament, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027. The women’s tournament will be held in 2029 with dates yet to be determined but are likely to be held roughly in the same months as the preceding men’s tournament.

Our mission is to bring rugby to new audiences nationwide & this partnership between World Rugby and CBS Sports marks an extraordinary leap forward. By showcasing both our USA Eagles & broader international competition, we’re building bridges between American sports fans & the excitement of the global game. Together with CBS Sports & World Rugby, we’re proud to lay a new foundation for rugby’s future in the United States.
Bill Goren, USA Rugby Chief Executive Officer

‘Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027’ Pool Draw To Take Place With All Teams Known For 1st Time Ever In Pro Era

World Rugby has announced that, for the 1st time ever in the professional era (since 1995), the pool draw for the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will take place with all participating teams known.

The pool draw for the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will take place in December 2025 with its bands being determined by the World Rugby Men’s Rankings at the end of the November international window.

This will ensure the seeding process for the 6 pools of 4 teams is more accurate & up to date.

World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson, said at least 1 nation from each of their regional associations will participate at the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027.

The tournament will also feature 52 matches – an increase of 4 from the previous total of 48 matches.

This announcement was made on May 22 this year.

The Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 will begin on Friday the 1st of October 2027, with its final on Saturday the 13th of November 2027.

9 Entertainment To Broadcast ‘Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29’ In Australia

World Rugby has announced 9 Entertainment will broadcast the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 in Australia.

The announcement was made on May 12 this year.

The broadcasts will be on 9’s leading streaming & broadcast platforms including 9, 9Now, Stan Sport & radio.

Stan Sport will show live & on demand every match of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29 while the 9 Network will show live & free half of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2027 including the final, semi-finals & every Wallabies (Australian team) match as well as half of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 including every Wallaroos (Australian team) match.

World Rugby & 9 are uniting to deliver unprecedented visibility for the sport & its stars in Australia, ensuring the next generation of rugby fans is inspired by the action both on & off the field. As we enter a golden decade for the sport in Australia, we are excited to continue our fruitful relationship with 9 all the way to 2 era-defining Rugby World Cups in 2027 & 2029.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

While the World Rugby CEO announced the broadcast deal as delivering “unprecedented visibility”, in 2003, when Australia last hosted the Rugby World Cup (men’s edition), 54% of the tournament’s matches (26/48) were shown on free-to-air television in Australia – just over half – thus meaning in 2027 when Australia hosts the tournament again, the broadcast won’t have unprecedented visibility – in fact, it will have at least slightly less. It should be pointed out that coverage of the Rugby World Cup – Australia 2029 will be the same as the Rugby World Cup – England 2025, adding to the lack of unprecedented visibility by tournament time in 2029.

This landmark partnership is all about reigniting the love of rugby down under. With 9’s unmatched reach, expert analysis & comprehensive coverage across its broadcast and digital platforms, we are ensuring rugby is accessible to a wide audience & offering a unique and immersive destination for fans in the country.
Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair

Securing the rights to these global events is a testament to 9’s long-term strategy & deep commitment to delivering value for audiences, partners and shareholders. Major sporting bodies know they can trust 9 to bring an exceptional experience for fans that builds interest not just in the event but also engagement in their sport. Rugby is living proof of that value 9 brings.
Catherine West, 9 Chair

The Rugby World Cup agreement reinforces the power of 9. Whether it’s streaming on 9Now or Stan Sport, watching at home on 9 Network, listening on radio or getting the analysis across our publishing mastheads, 9 can bring the game to Australian audiences like no other media company can. It not just cements 9 as the home of rugby, it strengthens our position as the place for iconic national & international sport with an unmatched ability to reach audiences across any & every platform. It’s not just the fans that benefit from this partnership with World Rugby, our sponsors & advertisers know they can trust 9 to elevate their brands & engage with audiences in a meaningful and impactful way that adds to the experience for our audiences.
Matt Stanton, 9 Chief Executive Officer

‘Sydney Spectaculars’ To Begin To Remove Old Historic Imagery From Blog

Sydney Spectaculars has decided to begin removing old historic imagery from our blog in order to allow us to publish news stories with new imagery.

The decision was not taken lightly due to how we like to promote the history of Sydney’s iconic events. However, this was the only way to continue the blog.

In May, we began asking for donations in order to avoid today’s decision. We thank everyone who donated & all donors have been offered full refunds as a courtesy.

While this announcement currently only affects imagery, it may one day affecting video footage, though we hope this won’t end up being the case.

Despite today’s announcement, we would still like to request & receive donations of minimum 65 cents in order to try, keep & return historic imagery of Sydney’s iconic events online. If we do end up being successful in our aim, we will announce it via our donation counter on the side of our site (as you can see, we reached 21% of our aim so far). We also still encourage readers to become members (as ‘Spectators’) of the Sydney Spectaculars Society, which is free of charge to join currently.

Again, thank you to all donors.

Introducing The ‘Sydney Spectaculars Society’

If you look at our Frontcover page, you may have seen that it is called Sydney Spectaculars Society.

We would now like to introduce it.

The Sydney Spectaculars Society will work to promote Sydney’s iconic events’ history & future through:

historical research,
historical conservation,
spectator representation,
event management education &
creative art education

Historical research will see the Society delve into historical records to bring to light the rich history of Sydney’s iconic events while historical conservation will see the Society preserve & restore historical artefacts related to Sydney’s iconic events.

Spectator representation will eventually see the Society represent you if you & others have a dispute regarding an event. Using as an example the rail strike threat to Sydney New Year’s Eve (NYE) last year (which wasn’t covered on our blog as it had not got serious enough to justify coverage). There was no formal body to represent event spectators at the Fair Work Commission. Only New South Wales (NSW) locals were represented via the NSW Government. As this didn’t include the international audience of Sydney NYE, this Society will eventually include international members, who we intend to help represent in any dispute they have with an event or its stakeholders. Due to the legal nature of this part of the Society, this feature won’t immediately be available. We want to ensure we have a sufficient number of members before exploring this feature in more detail.

Event management & creative art education will see the Society, as it states, offer education on the management of events & how to be creative, particularly in regards to events. Initially, this service will only be friendly advice, but we hope to expand to include formal credentials.

Membership is currently open for FREE, though in the future, as the Society expands, it is likely we will have to begin charging membership fees so get in while it is FREE!

Our initial membership tier is called Spectator & includes all Sydney Spectaculars. In the future, there will be other membership tiers based on specific events & different pricing levels and features.

Spectator will give you a digital pass, which can be put into your Google or Apple Wallet & allow you to attend monthly meetings of the Society, where you would have a right to vote. These would be held in Sydney except in March & September, when it will be in Shellharbour – the home of Airshows Downunder Shellharbour. Your concerns regarding Sydney’s iconic events will also be represented (but as stated above, this feature won’t initially be implemented).

While anyone can apply to become a member, applications will only be accepted from Australian residents aged 18 years & over. This is due to our hope to incorporate the Society, which due to NSW legal requirements, requires local people above that age to form the core of the incorporated association’s committee. We also hope to be eventually registered as a not-for-profit organisation. Once the initial committee is formed, they will decide whether or not the time is right to expand the current acceptance of membership applications.

So, without further ado, join the Sydney Spectaculars Society now!

Just click ‘Join’ on our Frontcover page & follow the prompts.

In the meantime, if you don’t want to become a member, we encourage a 65-cent donation, also through our Frontcover page.

‘Sydney Spectaculars’ Now On ‘Frontcover’!

Sydney Spectaculars is now on Frontcover!

After over a decade, our site has now reached the point where we need to earn revenue in order to provide further coverage of Sydney’s major events without losing existing popular content. Therefore, Sydney Spectaculars has joined Frontcover.

We want to still keep our content as free as possible but in order to do that, we need donations. Initially, we were going to request a donation of 5 cents per year per visitor but due to technology limitations, it will have to be a minimum donation of 65 Australian cents per year. Out of our annual site visitation, we estimate 9% of our visitors to end up contributing 65 Australian cents compared to 100% if it was just 5 cents per year.

To donate, head to our Frontcover page. Then, click ‘Support’, sign up to Frontcover & then follow the prompts to donate. You can donate any amount but it is a minimum of 65 cents regardless. We, unfortunately, cannot make it any lower. A processing fee rounds up the full cost to 1 Australian dollar. A tip to the Frontcover platform is completely optional.

We are initially raising funds in order to fund an expansion of our storage so we can continue to add imagery to our posts. Unfortunately, we have ran out of storage to continuing providing imagery on our posts even after deleting unnecessary existing media & keeping imagery to the minimum requirements in terms of pixels. This is why there have been no posts since March (though luckily, no super major news has broken in that time).

If we find we are not raising sufficient funds to cover this cost, we will have to remove old content in order to publish new content, at least in the short term.

If you donate more than 65 cents, contact us if you have a suggestion on where you want the extra funds to go.

In regards to Frontcover, you may have seen that our (rather empty) page is called Sydney Spectaculars Society. We have plans to expand in the very near future so sign up to Frontcover through our page & stay tuned!

…but for now, in the short term, 65 Australian cent donations are appreciated.

Ticketmaster Announced As ‘Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29’ Official Ticketing Service Provider

Ticketmaster has been announced as the official ticketing service provider of the Rugby World Cups – Australia 2027-29.

The announcement was made at Ticketmaster’s Legends In Sport event in London, the United Kingdom.

Ticketmaster is playing a key role in supporting our mission to grow the global game by making the sport more accessible & more relevant to a wider and global audience. The collaboration has proven to be particularly successful in making women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025 the most sought-after women’s sporting ticket of the year & the biggest women’s rugby event ever.

With men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups at the centrepiece of a golden decade of rugby in Australia & a gateway to a new era of rugby, the extension of our collaboration with Ticketmaster is a natural progression & reflects our ambition to break records in Australia.
Alan Gilpin, World Rugby Chief Executive

We are proud to be partnering with World Rugby to deliver one of the biggest sports tournaments in the world. As a leader in ticketing world-class sporting events, the teams at Ticketmaster look forward to delivering a seamless experience for rugby fans across the globe who will make their way to Australia for men’s and women’s World Cup events.
Gavin Taylor, Ticketmaster Australia Managing Director