Australia has been announced as the preferred candidate to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Australia chairman, Hamish McLennan, said: “This is a huge step forward in our ambitions to host Rugby World Cup 2027 and for rebooting the game in Australia.

“Throughout this process, we’ve held the genuine belief the time was right to bring the Rugby World Cup back to our shores.

“The team at Rugby Australia have worked hard on this for a number of years and today’s announcement is great reward for those efforts,” He said.

World rugby announced the news after council members voted on the board’s recommendation for Australia to host.

Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “We welcome the endorsement of World Rugby Council today – we are appreciative of their support for our bid and the trust they have shown in endorsing Australia to move forward with World Rugby on an exclusive basis to finalise the delivery model.”

The deciding vote will happen in May 2022, however it is very likely Australia will be the chosen host.

Australia only formally launched the bid six months ago, which has bolstered support for rugby in Australia.

“We now have the opportunity over the coming months to work with our colleagues at World Rugby to develop the optimal model for delivering Rugby World Cup 2027 in a way which will help foster the continued growth of the game not only in Australia, but in our region and globally.” Marinos said.

Two million people are expected to attend the seven-week competition which will generate $2.5 million into the economy, providing 13,300 jobs.

Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck said Australia’s reputation for hosting major international sporting events was enviable.

“The Rugby World Cup 2027 would be yet another opportunity to showcase our strength as an international host,” Minister Colbeck said.

“It is an exciting and ambitious prospect that will boost Rugby across Australia as well as provide enormous economic benefits to our nation.” He said.