Australia bid for 2021 and 2027 World Cups

Editor

Australia will bid to host both the 2021 women’s and 2027 men’s World Cups, Rugby Australia has announced.

They co-hosted, alongside New Zealand, the first ever men's competition in 1987 before successfully hosting the 2003 version.

With France being awarded the 2023 tournament, it is likely that the following World Cup will be based in the southern hemisphere, opening the door for Australia.

"As we edge closer to the 15th anniversary of the last Rugby World Cup played in Australia, regarded by many as the greatest in the tournament’s history, we are excited to confirm that Rugby Australia will bid for the hosting rights for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021 and the 2027 (Men’s) Rugby World Cup," Rugby Australia chairman Cameron Clyne said.

“The Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle for our Qantas Wallabies and Buildcorp Wallaroos teams and we want to bring those tournaments home for any player, boy or girl, man or woman, who ever dreamed of lifting the cup here on our home soil.

“The women’s World Cup is growing from strength to strength off the back of an incredible tournament in Ireland this year and, given Australia’s track record in hosting major events, we are supremely confident of delivering a tournament like no other in 2021.”

The women’s World Cup debuted in 1991 but has never been held in the southern hemisphere and Clyne believes that the time is right to bring it to Australia.

He added: “There has never been a more exciting time in the women’s game and we are looking forward to the inaugural 'Super W' competition kicking off in March before the second edition of the Aon Women’s University Sevens Series in August.

“These two competitions have strengthened the pathway for women’s rugby and are providing more opportunities than ever before for young girls and women to pursue their ambitions of playing the game at the highest levels and representing their country on the biggest stage, including the World Cup and the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.”