Australia confirmed as host of 2027 men’s and 2029 women’s Rugby World Cups
- Confirmation as host adds to ‘golden decade’, Rugby Australia says, as country prepares to host Olympics, Commonwealth Games and British & Irish Lions tour
- The men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups will then go to the United States for the first time in 2031 and 2033 respectively
World Rugby has named Australia as host nation of the 2027 men’s and 2029 women’s Rugby World Cup tournaments.
At its annual meeting in Dublin, the World Rugby Council confirmed that Australia would have hosting duties for a third men’s World Cup – after previous tournaments in 1987 and 2003. Hosting the women’s tournament in 2029 will be a first.
Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said it was a historic day for the sport in Australia.
“We’re beyond thrilled to be welcoming not one, but two Rugby World Cups to our shores,” he said. “It’s a game-changer for rugby in this country, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and secure the future of the sport here and see the game we all love grow and thrive for years to come.”
Australia, two-time winners of the men’s World Cup in 1991 and 1999, had previously been named as the preferred candidate to host both tournaments. Rugby Australia estimates that hosting back-to-back tournaments will provide a US$1.2 billion injection into the local economy.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said it was the start of a “new era” for Australian rugby.
