A $90 million funding boost to rugby union in Australia and the Pacific will create lasting benefits for the code by growing the capability of local clubs, coaches and officials to create more opportunities for women and girls to get involved in rugby.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 will receive a significant boost from the Albanese Government to support the delivery of these major events, along with legacy programs for Australia and the Pacific.
With the number of women and girls taking up rugby continuing to outpace men and boys in Australia, hosting both men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups provides an opportunity to transform the women’s game in Australia.
The Australian legacy program, Impact Beyond Australia, delivered by Rugby Australia, Member Unions and local governments, will help address the underrepresentation of women and girls in rugby by creating new and expanding existing competitions for women and girls, upgrading facilities, supporting more women and girls to become coaches, referees and officials.
To strengthen rugby in the Pacific, World Rugby and Oceania Rugby will deliver the Pacific legacy program Impact Beyond Pasifika, ensuring the future growth of the sport in the region and enhancing gender equity and equality by creating more opportunities for women and girls to play.
The World Cups are part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to hosting major sporting events in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Men’s Rugby World Cup is the third largest sporting event in the world. It will run from 1 October to 13 November 2027 and feature 24 countries with games held across seven mainland cities and eight venues. Sixteen nations will compete in the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029, with dates and venues yet to be confirmed.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
“The Albanese Government’s $90 million investment will get more women, girls and grassroots players into rugby, growing the sport in Australia and the Pacific and creating a lasting legacy from these major competitions.
“The benefits of these tournaments will be felt well beyond the final whistle, encouraging Australians – especially women and girls – to pick up a ball and get involved.
“Hosting these major events in Australia will also boost tourism, create jobs and support local businesses.
“This is another way we are working with our Pacific neighbours to grow and strengthen our ties through sport.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
“Sport has a unique power to bring people together in ways that few other things can and this investment is a testament to the enduring history we share with our Pacific neighbours.
“Australia is part of the Pacific family. We share the same values, and a love of rugby that only brings us closer together.
“The Albanese Government is proud to continue our partnership with Rugby Australia and World Rugby while supporting Pacific rugby and pathways for girls and women to shine on and off the field.”
