A diverse group of Australian Rugby heavies teamed up this week to launch a pitch to host the 2027 rugby world cup.
With the theme “Game On” the bid is led by former Wallaby Captain Phil Kearns, Executive Director of the Australian bid. The team includes, Sir Rod Eddington, Chairman, and Chairman of Rugby Australia, Hamish McLennan, Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and former Wallabies, John Eales and Gary Ella. Olivia Wirth, a tireless promoter of Australian tourism is also part of the team. She likened the possible attendance of 240,000 fans to 400 A380’s in airline terms.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said: “This is an exciting day for all Australians as we formally put our hand up to host the third-largest sporting event in the world.
“Hosting Rugby World Cup 2027 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia, which would drive substantial economic outcomes for our country, while also providing a lasting legacy for Rugby in this region.
“It would also allow us to support the Australian Government’s ambitions around major events in what is shaping up to be a green and gold decade for the nation – from the FIBA Women’s World Cup in 2022, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022, FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, the British and Irish Lions Tour in 2025, Netball World Cup in 2027, and the exciting potential of an Olympic Games in Queensland in 2032.”
“It is also a significant opportunity for Rugby in Australia and the Pacific, with the event to provide an unrivalled opportunity to grow the game by attracting further investment, participants, officials and volunteers.“
“We know a Rugby World Cup in Australia would be a vibrant event, and a game-changer for World Rugby, which would showcase the best of the sport to the 405 million fans around the world”.
“Combining the world’s greatest Rugby event with what we think is the world’s best tourism destination, international fans will be able to soak up our culture, our beaches and natural wonders in a safe and secure environment.
“I would like to thank the Australian Government for supporting Australia’s bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027. This is a bid on behalf of all Australians. Today we are saying to the global Rugby community, we are ready to host another Rugby World Cup on Australian soil.
“We are also encouraging all Australians and fans around the globe who want a Rugby World Cup in Australia to show their support by signing up at Australia2027.rugby. Game on for Australia 2027!”
Rugby World Cup 2027 Bid Advisory Board Chairman, Sir Rod Eddington said: “Hosting Rugby World Cup 2027 would be a significant moment for Australia on the world stage.
“This event is a beacon to the business community and tourists around the world. We cannot underestimate the significance hosting this tournament would have for Australia’s economy.
“The 2027 event is projected to attract more than two million attendees across seven weeks of competition, including 240,000 international visitors, and generate $2.5 billion in direct and indirect expenditure to the economy, while also creating 13,300 FTE jobs and stimulating $500 million in new trade and investment.
“This is a moment for all Australia to celebrate as we put or best foot forward and say to the world, it is time for Rugby’s showpiece event to return to Australian shores in 2027.”
Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Australia already has a strong record as an international host.
“We understand what it takes to stage the kind of major events that are watched by millions of sport fans across the world,” Minister Colbeck said.
“The sport’s global governing body will announce both the successful bids for 2027 and 2031 in May 2022. Russia has been mentioned as interested in hosting 2027 and the USA for 2031. Australians and Rugby fans around the globe are encouraged to show their support for Australia’s bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027 by visiting Australia2027.rugby to Back the Bid.
Written by John Savage
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