IHG Hotels & Resorts Joins Rugby World Cup 2027 As Official Hotel Partner For Global Fan Experiences

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One of the world’s largest hotel groups, IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), has been appointed Official Hotel Partner to Rugby World Cup 2027. IHG will have hotel representation during Rugby World Cup 2027 which is one of the world’s greatest sporting events. IHG will be able to build its relationship with the global rugby community and provide customers and IHG Rewards members unique sporting events and experiences.

The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, scheduled to take place in Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, will become the biggest edition in tournament history. The event will feature 24 teams competing across 52 matches in seven host cities, welcoming supporters from around the world for a landmark celebration of international rugby.

Through the partnership, IHG will combine its global hospitality expertise with the excitement of rugby’s biggest stage to enhance the overall experience for fans, players and visitors. The collaboration aims to create memorable moments beyond the matches by connecting travellers with premium stays, exclusive opportunities and the wider tournament atmosphere.

The agreement further strengthens IHG’s long-term relationship with rugby and highlights the company’s position as a major hospitality partner within the sport. Over the past two decades, IHG has supported several leading rugby events and organisations, including Rugby Australia, SANZAAR, Six Nations Rugby and the Qatar Airways British & Irish Lions Tour to Australia 2025.

As the Official Hotel Partner of Rugby World Cup 2027, IHG will support the accommodation needs of teams, officials and travelling supporters while using its extensive hotel network, hospitality capabilities and IHG One Rewards programme to bring fans closer to the tournament experience.

The partnership is expected to provide rugby enthusiasts with new ways to engage with the event, while showcasing IHG’s global brands and commitment to delivering memorable stays during one of the most significant sporting occasions on the international calendar.

Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “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.

“Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is one of sport’s great global occasions, bringing people together around a shared passion. As Official Hotel Partner, we have an opportunity not only to support that experience in Australia, but also to engage fans and IHG One Rewards members across key international markets before, during and beyond the tournament.

“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. That value extends well beyond the tournament itself, strengthening consideration and demand across our global hotel network and creating long-term value for our brands, hotels and owners.”

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.”