South African interest in travelling to Australia for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027 (RWC 2027) is already surging, as fans prepare to attend and celebrate the Springboks’ potential third consecutive win.
A recent Travel News poll, with over 250 respondents, found that South African leisure travellers were more interested in booking trips for the RWC 2027 than the F1 Grand Prix or FIFA World Cup.
In line with this booming demand, World Rugby has appointed SA Rugby Travel, Rennies BCD and Edusport as Official Travel Agents for RWC 2027 in Australia.
“There are major opportunities for the travel trade to capitalise on demand by working with SA Rugby Travel and offering their clients an opportunity to travel to Australia and support the Springboks,” said Illana Pereira, Managing Executive of Tourvest Destination Management Sports & Events, which operates SA Rugby Travel.
SA Rugby Travel
This will be SA Rugby’s fourth consecutive Rugby World Cup as an Official Travel Agent and Tourvest’s eighth.
SA Rugby Travel, in partnership with both the South African Rugby Union and World Rugby, are curating ticket-inclusive travel packages and Official Rugby Experiences, which we will be launching in January 2026.
“The big games sell out fast. The sooner they book their clients’ spot at the Rugby World Cup Australia 2027 the better,” said Pereira.
Rennies BCD
Rennies BCD Sports has also been selected as an Official Travel Agent RWC 2027, following its formal RFP submission in September.
“This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering world-class sports travel experiences and reaffirms Rennies BCD Sports’ position as a trusted partner in connecting fans, teams and corporate travellers to the world’s biggest sporting events,” said Reece Oaks, CEO of Rennies BCD.
Rennies BCD’s dedicated Sports Division is formulating official travel packages, ticket-inclusive experiences and hospitality travel solutions for South African supporters and international travellers eager to be part of the occasion.
Edusport
Edusport’s appointment as an Official Travel Agent for Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027, follows its proven track record of taking thousands of South Africans to the past five consecutive World Cups.
Edusport is planning to reveal itineraries that will offer fans experiences across Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The packages will explore every host city’s unique perks, from fan zones and cultural performances to hospitality suites with gourmet catering.
Enthusiastic fans
Following the Springboks’ recent two consecutive wins at the Japan Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the France Rugby World Cup in 2023, more and more South Africans are becoming rugby fans.
“Ever since Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi took over as coach and captain, respectively, they have grown the supporter base for the Springboks tremendously,” said Pereira.
“Further to this, the Springboks have ignited a deep passion within South African fans by sharing the stories of the players and, most importantly, by winning. Fans love a team that is authentic to themselves and a team that wins! The Springboks bring this magic combination and South Africans have responded with resounding support.”
