One step closer to hosting 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Morrison Government support has helped deliver preferred bidder status for Australia’s proposal to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) in 2029.

Minister for Sport, Richard Colbeck, said the preferred bidder announcement by World Rugby today was a testament to Australia’s reputation for successfully delivering major sporting events.

Australia is now the preferred candidate for both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029.

“Securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 for Australia will be another milestone event in our green and gold decade to raise the profile of women’s sport,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It will drive increased participation in physical activity by girls and women, and improve gender equality and social inclusion in sport.”

Last week’s Budget 2022-23 indicated the Morrison Government is committed to supporting the delivery of both the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 and Women’s Rugby World Cup 2029 should these bids be successful.

If successful, this will add rugby alongside top flight road cycling, basketball, soccer, cricket and netball events among many others that Australia will host in the next 10 years.

The Government’s support will go toward event preparation and staging the rugby competitions, as well as establishing legacy programs in Australia and the Pacific region, to capitalise on the interest sparked by the events to promote community sport, and sport for women and girls.

“The Government continues to support women and girls to achieve their sporting dreams and ambitions and we wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to have the world’s best women rugby players compete on Australian soil,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The timeline of major sporting events in Australia over the next decade, culminating in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, provides a unique opportunity to create significant socio-economic benefits that will last generations and drive Australia’s post COVID-19 recovery.”