World Rugby has today announced Australia as the preferred candidate to host Rugby World Cup 2029.
The announcement means Australia is now the preferred candidate to host the men’s event in 2027 and then the Women’s in 2029 2027 and 2029.
That double is likely to be repeated in the following cycle with the USA seen as the likely winner of the bidding process to host the tournaments in 2031 and 2033.
This year’s tournament will take place in New Zealand postponed from last year.
in 2025 the tournament will expand to 16 teams and take place in England.
Confirmation of the Australian bid is likely to come after a final World Rugby Council vote in Dublin in May.
“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,” said Rugby Australia President Hamish McLennan.
“The fact we have reached this stage in the process as the preferred candidate for both the men’s and women’s tournaments is something the Australian Rugby community should be incredibly proud of.”
“I’d like to thank the Australian Government for their fantastic support for our bid to date, including last week’s package of support announced in the Federal Budget, which has made today’s announcement possible. Game On for Australia 2027 and 2029.”
“Confirmation of Australia’s candidacy represents a major milestone for the global advancement of women’s Rugby, completing a roadmap of Rugby World Cup hosting all the way through to 2033 which is supported by the exciting new WXV competition which launches next year,” added World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin.
“This unprecedented certainty will further enable World Rugby to work with all our stakeholders to accelerate fan, broadcast, sponsorship and participation opportunities for the women’s game on a global basis.”
Hosting RWC 2027 and 2029 is being estimated will deliver a combined $2.8 billion in direct and indirect expenditure for the economy.
