BREAKING: Australia, USA to host next two World Cups
NEWS: Two years after financial turmoil forced serious consideration of a return to amateurism, Australian rugby has received a major boost.
In a watershed moment for Rugby Australia, World Rugby has confirmed that the 2027 World Cup will be hosted by Australia.
While the USA has been revealed as the location for the 2031 World Cup – the first time the showpiece tournament will be played in North America.
Australia and USA are also set to host the 2029 and 2033 women’s World Cup, while England will host the 2025 edition of the women’s showpiece.
Australia had been all but certain to earn the tournament after previously earning preferred host status in the streamlined bid process.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was lit up in green and gold in anticipation before Rugby Australia received the confirmation it was anxiously awaiting almost four hours later.
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Wallabies legend Tim Horan, a two-time World Cup winner, tweeted the announcement marked “the most significant moment in Australian rugby history since winning the RWC in 1991 that put rugby on the map in Oz”.
Rugby Australia (RA) CEO Andy Marinos estimated the two World Cups (men and women’s Cup in 2029) could bring between $50 and 60 million to the cash-strapped governing body and help return the sport to its glory days down under.
That forecast came after the organisation considered reverting to amateur status when it recorded a net deficit of $27.1 million for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It sets us up for what I think is going to be a golden age of rugby in this country,” RA president David Codey said.
Wallabies captain Michael Hooper said hosting the two events would inspire a new generation of young players.
“It’s pretty special,” Hooper said.
“The runway from this all comes together in the next 10 years of rugby. Not only with these World Cups but the (Brisbane 2032) Olympics with rugby’s involvement in the Olympics and what that looks like.
“It’s a pretty good time to be a young rugby player or looking to play rugby.”
USA Rugby Chief Executive Ross Young: โI 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.
โUSA Rugby will now venture into a new era and ensure the sportโs 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.โ
Source: AAPย & World Rugbyย
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