Australia preferred candidate to host Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029

The national economy is set to receive a massive financial boost from Australia hosting Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029.

Australia is set to host world rugby’s showcase events in 2027 and 2029 that will deliver a $2.8bn boost to the national economy.

Already the preferred candidate to stage the 2027 men’s World Cup, Australia has also been named as preferred hosts for the 2029 women’s World Cup.

“Hosting two Rugby World Cups is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia and the rugby community and all aspirational future Wallaroos and Wallabies who will shortly be kicking off their season across the country,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said.

“The fact we have reached this stage in the process as preferred candidate for both the men’s and women’s tournaments is something the Australian rugby community should be incredibly proud of.”

The final World Rugby Council vote will occur next month in Dublin.

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said: “We are excited by Australia’s vision and passion to work with World Rugby to deliver an exceptional Rugby World Cup in 2027 and now 2029, cementing the nation’s status as being at the heart of the rugby universe for a three-year period.”

#GameOn for Australia in 2027 and now in 2029!

MORE: https://t.co/HgV0aUiIvBpic.twitter.com/hNRjHFWdrB

— Rugby Australia (@RugbyAU) April 3, 2022

Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos said Australian women’s rugby would receive a “significant boost” from hosting the 2029 World Cup, which will feature 16 teams.

“We saw what winning Olympic gold in the sevens in Rio 2016 did for the women’s game in this country,” Marinos said.

“Hosting the marquee event on the XVs calendar would provide a similar lift for the women’s game here, presenting an aspirational pathway to young female athletes who can see a home World Cup as a genuine target on the horizon while also encouraging further investment into development and infrastructure.”

Rugby World Cup 2027 bid advisory board chairman, Sir Rod Eddington said: “This is a positive step forward for our bid as we aim to bring not one but two world-class events to Australian shores.

“Hosting RWC 2027 and 2029 would deliver a combined $2.8bn in direct and indirect expenditure for the economy.

Not only is this is a game-changing opportunity for rugby in this country and the broader Pacific, it will also be a major shot in the arm for the Australian economy as we continue to emerge from a range of challenges in recent years.”