IHG Hotels and Resorts has been crowned the Official Hotel Partner of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which is expected to be the biggest edition of the tournament yet when it kicks off across Australia next year.

The move strengthens IHG’s global commitment to rugby, spanning SANZAAR, Six Nations Rugby and the Qatar Airways British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025, capped by its existing partnership with Rugby Australia, which was recently extended until 2028.

The tournament will be held from 1 October to 13 November 2027, and will be the largest edition of the Men’s Rugby World Cup to date, with 24 teams competing across 52 matches in seven different Host Cities.

“As rugby’s biggest stage comes together with IHG’s world-class hospitality and venues, the collaboration will help to elevate the tournament’s fan experience and create memorable moments both on and off the field,” IHG stated.

As Official Hotel Partner, IHG will play a key role in welcoming teams, officials and fans to Australia, while using its hotel network and IHG One Rewards platform to bring supporters closer to the tournament experience.

“Our partnerships are about driving commercial value for our hotels and owners, and creating opportunities to delight guests. Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will bring teams and fans from around the world to Australia, driving significant accommodation demand in the host market, while also giving IHG a powerful global platform to build awareness of our brands and hotels with millions of rugby fans internationally,” IHG Hotels and Resorts Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, Kenneth Macpherson said.

“With more than 160 million IHG One Rewards members globally, the partnership gives us another meaningful way to deepen loyalty, create distinctive experiences and introduce IHG to new audiences.”

Michel Poussau, Chief Revenue Officer, World Rugby, said: “Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will be the biggest edition of our tournament to date and a spectacular celebration of rugby, Australia and the fans who will travel from every corner of the world to be part of it. Welcoming IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner is an important part of delivering that experience at the scale and standard this iconic event deserves.

“From the moment fans begin planning their journey, through to the 24 teams, match officials and guests arriving in Australia, the partnership with IHG will help take the Rugby World Cup experience to the next level. Together, we want to create a warm welcome and unforgettable moments across the tournament, from hotels and Host Cities to stadiums and Fan Festivals.”