Pubs across the UK are set to open early for any home nation match during the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with major chains confirming plans to welcome fans for morning kick-offs.
The government has not announced any nationwide licensing changes. However, a number of prominent pub operators have told RUCK they intend to open earlier than usual for all matches involving England and Scotland – and Wales or Ireland, should they qualify – including group-stage fixtures.
The 2027 tournament will take place in Australia, meaning many games are expected to kick off in the early morning UK time because of the time difference. That has prompted several hospitality groups to prepare for breakfast openings, with some venues expected to open from as early as 6am to screen matches live.
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One senior pub executive told RUCK that international tournaments “bring communities together,” adding that opening early for World Cup rugby whenever the home nations are playing is “a no-brainer.”
While standard licensing laws remain in place, many pubs already have the flexibility within their existing permissions to open for breakfast service, allowing them to show matches without the need for special government exemptions.
Further details on confirmed opening times are expected closer to the tournament once the full fixture schedule for the 2027 Rugby World Cup is finalised.
2027 Rugby World Cup fixtures revealed: England get dream start
The full 2027 Rugby World Cup fixtures and ticket pricing have been officially released, confirming dates, venues, and kick-off times for all 52 matches.
Fans can start planning their ultimate World Cup adventure in Australia, with the first tickets available from 18 Februarythrough the exclusive Presale for registered supporters.
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Super Sunday: five matches in one day
For the first time in history, the pool phase concludes with a Super Sunday on 17 October, featuring five matches in a single day:
It’s a rugby marathon and a showcase of the sport at its peak.
Knockout drama across Australia
Australia 2027 introduces the first-ever Round of 16, hosted across Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.
Quarter-finals follow on 30–31 October in Brisbane and Sydney, leading to the semi-finals, bronze final, and the ultimate climax:
Rugby World Cup Final
Saturday 13 November 2027 — Stadium Australia, Sydney | Wangal
2027 Rugby World Cup fixtures:
Friday 1 October 2027
Pool A
- Australia vs Hong Kong China — 11:45, Perth Stadium, Perth
Saturday 2 October 2027
Pool F
- Wales vs Zimbabwe — 03:45, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Pool A
- New Zealand vs Chile — 06:15, Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool E
- France vs USA — 08:45, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Pool F
- England vs Tonga — 11:15, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Sunday 3 October 2027
Pool E
- Japan vs Samoa — 02:15, Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Pool B
- South Africa vs Italy — 04:45, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Pool D
- Scotland vs Uruguay — 07:15, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Pool B
- Georgia vs Romania — 11:15, NQ Stadium, Townsville
Monday 4 October 2027
Pool C
- Fiji vs Spain — 04:15, Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Pool D
- Ireland vs Portugal — 07:15, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool C
- Argentina vs Canada — 09:45, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Friday 8 October 2027
Pool F
- Wales vs Tonga — 08:15, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
- England vs Zimbabwe — 10:45, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Saturday 9 October 2027
Pool E
- USA vs Samoa — 05:15, Perth Stadium, Perth
Pool A
- New Zealand vs Australia — 07:10, Stadium Australia, Sydney
Pool E
- France vs Japan — 09:45, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool A
- Chile vs Hong Kong China — 11:15, NQ Stadium, Townsville
Sunday 10 October 2027
Pool C
- Fiji vs Canada — 02:45, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- Argentina vs Spain — 05:15, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Pool B
- South Africa vs Georgia — 07:45, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool D
- Ireland vs Scotland — 10:45, Perth Stadium, Perth
Monday 11 October 2027
Pool D
- Uruguay vs Portugal — 07:15, Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Pool B
- Italy vs Romania — 09:45, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Friday 15 October 2027
Pool A
- New Zealand vs Hong Kong China — 07:15, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Pool E
- Japan vs USA — 10:30, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Pool F
- Tonga vs Zimbabwe — 11:15, NQ Stadium, Townsville
Saturday 16 October 2027
Pool C
- Argentina vs Fiji — 03:45, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Pool A
- Australia vs Chile — 06:10, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool F
- England vs Wales — 09:45, Stadium Australia, Sydney
Pool C
- Spain vs Canada — 11:15, NQ Stadium, Townsville
Sunday 17 October 2027
Pool B
- Italy vs Georgia — 02:15, Newcastle Stadium, Newcastle
Pool D
- Ireland vs Uruguay — 04:45, Docklands Stadium, Melbourne
Pool D
- Scotland vs Portugal — 07:15, Brisbane Stadium, Brisbane
Pool E
- France vs Samoa — 09:45, Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney
Pool B
- South Africa vs Romania — 12:15, Perth Stadium, Perth
QUIZ: Can you name all 26 teams to have played at the Men's Rugby World Cups?
Think you know your rugby history? Test your knowledge and see if you can name all 26 teams that have played at the Men's Rugby World Cup.
You've got just 5 minutes on the clock – no pressure!
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