ROUND OF 16 - MEN'S RUGBY WORLD CUP 2027
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 introduces a round of 16 following the pool phase, expanding the knockout stage and creating additional high-stakes matches for supporters to experience.
Ireland’s progression to the round of 16 will depend on their finishing position in Pool D. Once confirmed, Ireland will contest a single knockout match with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
This page outlines how the round of 16 works, Ireland’s potential pathway, and the travel packages that will
ROUND OF 16 FORMAT
At Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, 24 teams are divided into six pools of four. Following the pool phase:
• The top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the round of 16
• The four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance
• Sixteen teams progress to the knockout phase
Each round of 16 match is a straight knockout fixture. Winners advance to the quarter-finals, while the losing teams are eliminated from the tournament.
IRELAND’S POTENTIAL PATHWAY
If Ireland finish first or second in Pool D, they will contest their Round of 16 match at Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm, with the exact opponent determined by the final pool standings across Pools D, B, E and F.
Ireland could feature in either:
R16 (3) – 1st Pool E v 2nd Pool D (23 October, Melbourne), or
R16 (6) – 1st Pool D v 3rd Pool B | E | F (24 October, Melbourne)
Both fixtures take place at Docklands Stadium, making Melbourne the expected host city for Ireland’s potential Round of 16 match.
ROUND OF 16 TRAVEL PACKAGES
We are currently finalising our packages for Ireland's potential Round of 16 match. Once available, packages will be displayed here.
ROUND OF 16 HOST CITIES
Killester Travel are proud to be Ireland’s Official Travel Agent with exclusivity in Ireland for Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, delivering official ticket-inclusive travel packages for Ireland supporters travelling to Australia
EARLY ACCESS PASS
We are currently developing a range of packages for Ireland's Pool D matches and RWC 2027 Round of 16. These will be released once match schedules and logistics are confirmed, with availability expected in February.
To give supporters the best chance of securing their preferred package, we have now launched our Early Access Pass. This will allow supporters to access packages in advance of general release and reserve their place ahead of wider sales.
Click the link below for Further details and to purchase your Early Access Pass
STAY UPDATED
Stay up to date with all our Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 travel packages. Register your details to receive updates on new travel packages, Ireland match tours, knockout stage options and future rugby trips as they are launched.
