Associated Press

SYDNEY (AP) — Australia will play Hong Kong in the western city of Perth on Oct. 1 to open the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The final will be on Nov. 13 at Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Organizers announced the schedule, venues and times on Tuesday for all 52 matches over 19 match days in seven cities and eight venues.

The draw was held in Sydney in December. South Africa, the two-time defending champion, open against Italy on Oct. 3 in Adelaide.

Organizers also announced a so-called “Super Sunday” on Oct. 17, 2027, when five matches will be played on the final day of pool play: Italy vs. Georgia, Ireland vs. Uruguay, Scotland vs. Portugal, France vs. Samoa and South Africa vs Romania.

Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney will host the first ever knockout round of 16, followed by quarterfinals in Brisbane and Sydney, and semifinals, bronze final and final in Sydney.

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AP rugby: https://apnews.com/hub/rugby