World Rugby has announced Australia as preferred candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2029.
The announcement means Australia is now preferred candidate to host the most important tournament in men’s and women’s fifteens Rugby in 2027 and 2029.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said: “We’re delighted to be named preferred candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2029. This is a truly wonderful addition to our bid for Rugby World Cup 2027 and we would love to welcome the pinnacle event on the women’s XVs calendar to our shores for the first time in 2029.
“Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction for Rugby in Australia as we head toward the final decision by World Rugby Council in May. We continue to be buoyed by the spirit of collaboration in which we are working with World Rugby.
World Rugby CEO 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.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “Hosting Rugby World Cup 2029 would be a significant boost for women’s Rugby in this country.
“We saw what winning Olympic gold in the sevens in Rio 2016 did for the women’s game in this country. 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.”
“The timeline of major sporting events in Australia over the next decade, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides a unique opportunity to create significant socio-economic benefits that will last generations and drive Australia’s post COVID-19 recovery.”
Australia events will be welcomed by Pacific teams, who will benefit from reduced travel costs and the proximity of Australia.
