World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin has no regrets about leaving the MCG out of contention for the Rugby World Cup 2027 final — and he made that clear even as Melbourne’s iconic ground delivered one of international rugby’s most breathtaking nights last Saturday. The second British and Irish Lions Test against the Wallabies drew 90,307 fans to the MCG, generating the kind of atmosphere that had plenty of people questioning whether Sydney’s Accor Stadium truly deserved the showpiece slot.
Rugby World Cup 2027 Final Decision Defended by Gilpin
Gilpin appeared alongside World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson, Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh and a raft of other dignitaries to launch the ticketing plans for the 2027 tournament, which spans seven host cities across Australia. When pressed on whether the MCG thriller had exposed a misjudgement, Gilpin was unequivocal. “No, I mean we went through a really competitive process,” he said. “Sydney put their best foot forward — they were an amazing host of the World Cup semifinals and final in 2003, and they will be again in ’27.”
Furthermore, Gilpin was quick to acknowledge Melbourne’s pulling power. “What we saw on Saturday is that rugby can make some noise in Melbourne as well,” he added, pointing also to Perth’s world-class stadium — a venue that didn’t even exist during the 2003 tournament — as evidence of just how strong Australia’s current venue landscape truly is.
Behind the scenes, however, it’s understood the Victorian state government’s bid fell well short financially, with the state still navigating a difficult post-COVID period. Victoria only narrowly avoided losing games altogether following late-stage negotiations before the host cities were confirmed earlier this year. Melbourne ultimately secured seven pool matches and two round-of-16 fixtures, though whether those games land at AAMI Park (30,000 capacity), Marvel Stadium (53,000) or the MCG itself remains undecided. World Rugby has yet to confirm venue allocations for the city.
MCG Atmosphere and the Jac Morgan Controversy
Whatever the politics, Saturday’s Test was something else entirely. The review of Jac Morgan’s clean-out — just one phase before Hugo Keenan crossed to seal the series for the Lions — produced one of the most contentious finishes in the modern international game. Inside a packed MCG, the tension was suffocating. The venue’s proximity to the city centre, with thousands of Lions fans making the 20-minute walk along the Yarra River, only added to a sense of occasion that few stadiums on the planet can replicate. You can read more about how BBC Sport covered the series drama as it unfolded.
Meanwhile, for those already eyeing tickets for 2027, the first wave arrives via “Superfan” passes — on sale next month — giving buyers the chance to purchase up to four tickets across any of the 52 matches, capped at 52 tickets per pass. A broader presale follows in February 2026. Crucially, over 2.5 million tickets will be available in total, with one million priced under AU$100. Adult tickets start at AU$40, children’s from AU$20, and the cheapest seat to watch the Wallabies at home during the tournament sits at AU$100 — a pricing structure Rugby Australia will be relieved to stand behind after significant criticism over Lions tour ticket costs.
The tournament runs from the opening game in Perth through Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Townsville and Newcastle, before culminating in Sydney. The MCG may have missed its shot at the final, but if Saturday proved anything, it’s that Melbourne will make its presence felt regardless.
