Federal government commits $8.8 million dollars to bring the RWC to Australia
Already the envy of the sporting world during the global pandemic – the government is going all in to bring the 2027 Rugby World Cup to Australia
NSW
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Australian rugby has assembled a powerful team for a contest even more important than regaining the Bledisloe — winning the right to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal the federal government is committing an extra $8.8 million to help Australia secure the right to host the 2027 RWC, the third biggest sporting event on the planet.
Hosting the tournament will create 12,000 jobs, bring in more than 200,000 international visitors and generate an estimated $2.2 billion.
“Events of this magnitude have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy,” federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said.
“While we are not in a position to welcome international visitors right now, any inroads we can make to secure large events that will bring more tourists to Australia will be critical to the overall rebound of our tourism industry.”
The last time Australia hosted the Rugby World Cup was in 2003, with the tournament captivating the nation.
Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said 2027 would be an even bigger party after the gloom of coronavirus.
“It’s been a challenging time for the Australian sporting community, with the rescheduling of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to 2021, and a number of other high-profile sporting events cancelled or postponed,” he said.
“A successful bid will bolster the community spirit and significantly contribute to the country’s long-term recovery from COVID-19.”
The final decision on where the 2027 Rugby World Cup will be held has been pushed back to mid 2022 but Australia is the odds-on favourite after assembling a high-powered bid team that includes former prime minister John Howard, former governor-general Peter Cosgrove, International Olympic Committee vice-president John Coates, former British Airways chairman Rod Eddington, Fortescue Metals Group boss Elizabeth Gaines, Qantas senior executive Olivia Wirth and Wallabies legends Phil Kearns, John Eales and Gary Ella.
“It’s progressing very well,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said of the bid. “We’re probably the most advanced bid so far.”
Kearns — who won two World Cups as a player — is leading the bid and said the government’s commitment to the campaign is the green light the team needs to push ahead.
“Fundamentally it gives us the confidence to go ahead with the bid,” Kearns said.
“It’s great that the government have acknowledged that having the World Cup here in Australia is good for Australian youth and rugby players, it’s great for Rugby Australia generally and the broader community, and it’s good for Australia full stop. It will be a genuine national event.”