Rugby Australia Secures $90 Million Federal Funding for 2027 and 2029 World Cup Legacy Program

Rugby Australia has welcomed a $90 million funding commitment from the Federal Government to deliver the 2027 and 2029 Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups, establishing a comprehensive Impact Beyond legacy program designed to drive long-term commercial and community growth across Australia and the Pacific.

Announced alongside Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh, and World Rugby chair Brett Robinson, the landmark investment represents the first time the global tournament will be hosted on Australian shores in 24 years, providing a blueprint to enhance participation, infrastructure, coaching pathways, and female representation through to the end of 2029.

The Impact Beyond initiative combines targeted domestic expansion with regional collaboration via the Federal Government’s PacificAus Sports program.

Domestically, the program aims to increase registered competition participants by 30 per cent, double club program participation, and boost female participation by 70 per cent.

Simultaneously, the Pacific framework focuses on international performance development, governance, financial sustainability, and community rugby engagement.

Emphasising the significance of the funding for regional sporting sustainability, Rugby Australia CEO, Waugh, said: “Rugby plays a vital role in communities across Australia and the Pacific and today’s announcement by the Federal Government ensures that great work will expand and evolve, positively impacting the lives of millions throughout the region.”

“The Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 in Australia present a generational opportunity to showcase the passion and purpose of Australian and Pacific Rugby,  and the incredible communities supporting them,  to the world and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of rugby in Australia and the Pacific.

“With the valued support of Minister Wells and the Federal Government, the legacy of the world’s third largest sporting event will live on long after the tournaments themselves, with more girls and boys playing the game, better infrastructure for all and fans old and new contributing to a culture and spirit unique to rugby and renowned around the world,” Waugh said. 

Highlighting the broader economic and social returns of the investment, Federal Minister for Sport, Anika Wells, added: “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 leaving 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,” Wells noted. 

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