Townville hopes for slice of 2027 Rugby World Cup action

Local leaders are hoping Townsville can relive the glory of 2003, when the city hosted rugby cult heroes the Cherry Blossoms, at the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup.

LOCAL leaders are hoping Townsville can relive the glory of 2003, when the city hosted rugby cult heroes the Cherry Blossoms, at the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup.

After news broke of Australia’s success at securing both the men’s (2027) and women’s (2029) Rugby World Cups, talk immediately turned to how can Townsville tap into the extremely lucrative sport and get the world’s eyes on the city.

And with five years to make moves, Townsville is positioning itself to host a team Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Despite Townsville’s claim to fame as a rugby league heartland, the city last year hosted both the Oceania Sevens and two international games as part of the 2021 eToro Rugby Championship.

Mundingburra MP Les Walker said it was likely Townsville would get in on the action for the cups.

Mr Walker said like Townsville did in 2003 with the Cherry Blossoms, the city would back our home team.

“That is what we do well here,” he said.  

OCTOBER 12, 2003: Scotland player Simon Taylor runs with the ball during Scotland v Japan 2003 World Cup match at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville, 12/10/03. Pic Bruce Long. Rugby Union A/CT

Mr Walker added the city also had the potential to host training and acclimatising events in the lead up to the games.

“We’ve got some of the best facilities, we’ve proven that time and time again,” he said.

“We will be encouraging the sport to look at us to make sure that we get our fair share when it comes to promoting the game of rugby union.”

Townsville Enterprise’ Director Visitor Economy and Marketing Lisa Woolfe said back in 2003, the city was a ‘home away from home’ for Japan, with the team playing three games against France, Scotland and Fiji at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

“Townsville embraced the occasion and rugby fever well and truly gripped the city,” Ms Woolfe said.

Members of Japan's rugby team warm up at the start of a practice session in Townsville, Queensland October 22, 2003 in preperation for their World Cup rugby Pool B match with Fiji on Thursday. REUTERS/Darren Whiteside

“Fast forward to 2022 and Townsville has a new stadium and has proven itself as a world class rugby city.

“With Australia being announced as the successful bidder for the 2027 and 2029 Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cups, Townsville is again putting its hand up to share world class facilities, a winter climate second to none and a population that know how to get behind a special occasion and play a role.”

Self-confessed rugby nut and economist Colin Dwyer said Townsville deserved it’s fair share of the third-largest sporting event in the world.

He said the city needed to get prepared to capitalise on the future opportunities.

OCTOBER 18, 2003 : Christopher Dominici scoring a try during France v Japan Rugby World Cup (RWC) match at Dairy Farmers Stadium at Townsville, 18/10/03. Pic Bruce Long. Rugby Union A/CT

Mr Dwyer said the 2001 British Lions game was pivotal for Townsville, with it also laying the groundwork for the city’s involvement in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

“In 2027, Townsville can replicate the experience of Rugby World Cup 2003, have an international team train and play here, encourage rugby spectators to visit and stay allowing business to capitalise on associated opportunities,” he said.

“It needs a group of committed local members, who, with a pot of funds, seek optimum leverage of QCB stadium and gain maximum net benefits.

“Townsville needs to sharpen it’s Stadium Capability statement, send a strong message to Rugby Australia that we want future rugby events and teams in our city.”

Originally published as Townville hopes for slice of 2027 Rugby World Cup action