World Rugby signs Visa as Principal Partner for 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups in Australia

World Rugby has named Visa as Principal Partner for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, with the deal granting eligible cardholders early access to tickets for the men’s tournament from September 28.

Visa returns to the Rugby World Cup commercial programme as Official Payment Technology Partner for both competitions. The partnership covers the expanded 2027 men’s event — which will feature 24 teams for the first time, up from 20 — and the first Women’s Rugby World Cup to be staged in Australia two years later.

As part of the arrangement, eligible Visa cardholders will have access to a 48-hour priority ticket window running from 12:00 AEST on September 28 to 12:00 AEST on September 30. All 52 matches will be available during that window, subject to availability, with supporters able to select seats via interactive stadium maps. Any remaining tickets go on general sale from October 1 — exactly one year before the tournament’s opening match. The men’s competition runs from October 1 to November 13, 2027.

Visa will also serve as presenting partner of the Player of the Match award across both tournaments, and its payment technology will be deployed at official venues throughout each event.

World Rugby Chief of Revenue Michel Poussau welcomed the deal, saying: “Visa’s partnership underlines the strength and global appeal of these tournaments, as well as our shared ambition to deliver iconic events shaped by innovation, accessibility and unforgettable fan experiences. Its support for both tournaments is a powerful statement of belief in the future of rugby and the equal opportunity ahead for the men’s and women’s game.”

Visa Regional President for Asia Pacific, Stephen Karpin, described the scale of the occasion: “Some events have their own gravitational pull. Rugby World Cup is one of them. People don’t simply follow it, they travel for it and come together in ways that extend far beyond the match.”

World Rugby has described the 2027 men’s edition as the biggest Rugby World Cup to date, with the expanded field and Australian host nation expected to drive record commercial and attendance figures.