Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 bid campaign released

Rugby Australia has announced the Newcastle and Hunter region as their desired location ahead of its 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup bid.

Under the plan, the Newcastle and Hunter region will host the world’s showpiece event in Women’s Rugby, with the region’s world-class sporting facilities and hotels, combined with its offering as one of Australia’s most popular tourism hubs.  

The Buildcorp Wallaroos will have to compete with 11 countries from around the world to secure the tournament which is expected to provide a $23 million boost to the NSW economy.

Following the announcement of its 10 world cups in 10 years strategy, the NSW Government today confirmed it would provide financial and operational support to Rugby Australia for tournament delivery, should the bid be successful.

Rugby Australia Chief Executive, Raelene Castle said: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle event in Women’s XVs Rugby and we will show the world once again that Australia is unrivalled when it comes to delivering major sporting events. 

“We have more women and girls playing Rugby than ever before and we continue to see double-digit growth in participation in both our Sevens and XVs formats of the game.

“Hosting the tournament would provide us with a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the best of the women’s game to the Australian public.

“I’d like to acknowledge and thank the NSW Government for their unwavering support of the bid and in backing our quest to bring the World Cup to Australian shores for the first time. 

“Australia is #READY to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the Newcastle and Hunter region is the perfect location to deliver a record-breaking tournament in a truly Australian style – fun, vibrant, exciting, inclusive and innovative.” 

Rugby Australia also released its official bid video content, displaying Australia’s passion for the game and readiness to host the tournament. 

WRWC Australia 2021 from Rugby AU on Vimeo.

The Honourable Stuart Ayers MP, Minister for Sport, said: “This bid aligns with our commitment to foster the growth of women’s sport and follows on from the success of the Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2017 and the 2017 Women’s Ashes Series in NSW.”

Rugby Australia has also created an Impact Beyond program, as part of its bid to ensure a lasting legacy for the WRWC on young girls and boys across Australia. Further details about the program will be released in the coming weeks.  

World Rugby is expected to announce the winner of the right to host the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup in November.