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.
“We now have a golden decade of rugby in front of us, with the British & Irish Lions series in 2025, Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029, 2032 Olympic Games and a host of international men’s and women’s teams due to visit Australia for XVs and 7s fixtures,” Marinos said.
“Australia will become the centre of the rugby world over the next decade and that is incredibly exciting.”
Former Wallaby Tim Horan wrote on social media it was the most significant moment in Australia rugby’s history since winning RWC 1991.
“Hosting men’s 2027 and women’s 2029 RWC will grow participation and provide financial security for our game for generations,” Horan said.
During Thursday’s vote, World Rugby confirmed the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups would head to the USA for the first time in 2031 and 2033 in a bid to “accelerate the sport’s advancement in the USA” and increased investment in the women’s game.
“I speak for the rugby community and fans across the United States when I express our sincere gratitude to World Rugby for their trust and endorsement of our vision to grow this incredible sport exponentially across our country,” USA Rugby boss Ross Young said.
“USA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sport’s most treasured event is a springboard for creating lasting, sustainable enthusiasm and passion for rugby from coast to coast.
“We look forward to partnering with World Rugby in the years ahead to ensure that our preparations for these tournaments and the events themselves are a paradigm-shifting catalyst for the growth of our sport, not only here in the United States but around the world.”
