Sydney Harbour Bridge Credit: Rugby Australia
Sydney Harbour Bridge lights up in celebration of Australia being confirmed as the host of Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029
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- World Rugby Council confirms Australia as host of Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029
- Australia set to become first nation to have hosted three men’s Rugby World Cups (1987, 2003, 2027)
- Australia to host women’s Rugby World Cup for the first time
- Rugby World Cup to return to Australia on the 40th anniversary of the inaugural tournament
- Two Rugby World Cups in three years to deliver $2.8b economic windfall for Australia and boost grassroots Rugby with 30,000+ participants
- Rugby Australia to work with World Rugby and State and Territory Governments to finalise host cities and venues
- Rugby Australia to mark announcement with ‘National Day of Celebration’, featuring a public activation/media opportunity in every capital city on Friday 13 May
The Rugby World Cup is returning to Australian shores, after World Rugby confirmed Australia as the host of both the 2027 and 2029 tournaments.
The announcement, which follows a vote by World Rugby Council in Dublin, means Australia will become the first country to host the showpiece men’s Rugby event for a third time in 2027 (following the inaugural event in 1987 and then again in 2003), while also welcoming the women’s tournament for the first time in 2029.
Rugby Australia Chairman Hamish McLennan said: “This is a historic day for Rugby in Australia. We’re beyond thrilled to be welcoming not one, but two Rugby World Cups to our shores.
“It’s a game-changer for Rugby in this country, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise and secure the future of the sport here and see the game we all love grow and thrive for years to come.
“I’d like to thank our Federal and State and Territory Governments for the belief and support they’ve all shown in Rugby Australia’s bid over the last four years. This is a bid that has received unanimous bi-partisan support. The shared enthusiasm of our government partners for our vision to bring Rugby World Cup back to Australia has helped demonstrate that we are a safe pair of hands and ready to welcome the world.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge and sincerely thank our formidable Bid Advisory Board, chaired by Sir Rod Eddington AO FTSE, the Rugby Australia Board and CEO Andy Marinos, along with the Bid Team led by Wallaby great Phil Kearns AO and Anthony French, for their tireless work throughout this campaign.
“Today’s announcement is also the result of an incredible amount of hard work and cooperation from across the Rugby community over many years. It is a project that has been a constant source of inspiration for our code through some challenging times in recent years and we have worked in lockstep with our Member Unions throughout the bid campaign, united by our common goal of growing this great game of ours.
“Today is a significant moment in time for our game. I look forward to working together with our Member Union and Government Partners over the coming years to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity and continue the resurgence of Rugby in this country."
Wallaroos player, Shannon Parry and Wallabies Captain, Michael Hooper Credit: Rugby Australia
Wallaroos player, Shannon Parry and Wallabies Captain, Michael Hooper in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrating the announcement that Australia will host the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2029.
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Wallaroos player, Shannon Parry and Wallabies Captain, Michael Hooper Credit: Rugby Australia
Wallaroos player, Shannon Parry and Wallabies Captain, Michael Hooper in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge celebrating the announcement that Australia will host the Rugby World Cup in 2027 and 2029.
Rugby Australia CEO Andy Marinos said: “This is an incredible day for our Country and our game and in many ways, the start of a new era for Australian Rugby.
“Through Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 we look forward to sharing this great game, showcasing our beautiful and diverse country and its people and importantly growing the sport in communities all over the country.
“We now have a golden decade of Rugby in front of us, with the British & Irish Lions series in 2025, Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029, 2032 Olympic Games and a host of international men’s and women’s teams due to visit Australia for XVs and 7s fixtures. Australia will become the centre of the Rugby world over the next decade and that is incredibly exciting.
“This is a chance to grow in every sense of the word, providing aspirational pathways and unprecedented investment and support for our players, from the grassroots to the elite, in our infrastructure and in our people.
“So to all of the boys and girls out there who dream of playing for their country, I hope that today provides you with an incredible level of excitement about what you can do in our great game of Rugby - playing for your country in some of the biggest sporting events in the world on home soil.”
Executive Director of Australia’s Bid, Phil Kearns said: “What a brilliant day for everyone involved in the Australian Rugby community and also in the Pacific region.
“We’ve connected with hundreds of thousands of Australians throughout the bid campaign and their passion and enthusiasm for the game is incredible. Today is just reward for the hard work and support they give to the game on a daily basis.
“Rugby World Cup is coming home to Australia in 2027 and 2029. We are all committed to make the most of this golden opportunity.
“This is also a significant moment for our neighbours in the Pacific and we want it to be embraced and treated as a home world cup by players and fans in the region. We look forward to working with our government partners and our colleagues at World Rugby and Oceania Rugby to deliver a legacy program that ensures this is achieved and the impact of the tournament extends into the Pacific region. Game on!”
Rugby World Cup 2027 Bid Advisory Board Chairman, Sir Rod Eddington AO FTSE said: “It has been a real privilege to chair the Rugby Australia Bid Advisory Board. We have been incredibly fortunate to have a board full of wonderful, dedicated Australians who all believed in the opportunity to bring Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 to our country. To each and every one of them, today, we say thank you.
“I would also like to acknowledge and thank the Members of the World Rugby Council, World Rugby Chair Sir Bill Beaumont, CEO Alan Gilpin and the broader World Rugby team for all their work and partnership over the past two years as we have progressed through the bidding process.
It is a terrific opportunity and a real honour that has been granted to Australia in being the first country in the history of the game to deliver consecutive Rugby World Cups and to host three Men’s Rugby World Cup.
“We are grateful to World Rugby for the trust and belief they have shown in our vision to deliver an exceptional tournament experience for players, officials and fans under the new partnership hosting model. We look forward to working with Sir Bill, Alan and the team over the coming golden decade and welcoming the Rugby world to our shores in 2027 and 2029. Game On for Australia and Game On for World Rugby!”
Hosting Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029 in Australia is projected to generate $2.8 billion in direct and indirect expenditure to the economy, while also creating 14,000 FTE jobs and stimulating more than $500 million in new trade and investment.
Rugby Australia National Day of Celebration
Friday 13 May (all times local)
Adelaide – Gawler Place North, 8:30-10:30am
Brisbane – King George Square, 8:30-10:30am
Canberra – Rond Terrace, 12:00-2:00pm
Darwin – Darwin Waterfront Precinct, 9:00-10:00am
Hobart – Parliamentary Gardens, 9:00-10:00am
Melbourne – Queensbridge Square, 8:30-10:30am
Sydney - Tallawoladah Lawn, 8:30-10:30am
Perth – The Landing at Elizabeth Quay, 8:30-10:30am
ENDS
More News
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
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Destination NSW has teamed up with the popular YouTube channel Yes Theory, with its impressive 9.2 million subscribers, and Qantas, to fulfil 102-year-old San Franciso local, Dorothy Smith’s lifelong dream of visiting Sydney, Australia, completing her remarkable journey to every continent in the world.
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October 2024 when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours. Moved by Dorothy’s heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and time in Sydney, Dorothy shared, "Travel is important to me because it’s a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don’t want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it’s a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is just wonderful, and even the weather is nice! We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
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Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn Credit: Ethan Rohloff; Destination NSW
Sydney Harbour aerial at dawn featuring Royal Botanic Gardens and Mrs Macquarie's Chair, Sydney CBD and Opera House
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
#feelnewsydney
Dorothy Smith & Yes Theory, Sydney Credit: Bluesfest
102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia’s resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy’s own journey of exploration and discovery.
With Qantas’s support, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cock-pit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival. Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she had always dreamed of seeing firsthand.
Ammar Kandil, co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy’s story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we’re incredibly happy to help her achieve this lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of Australia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is ‘seek discomfort’ and embrace adventure, and Dorothy’s journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles.”
The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
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The Rocks, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Family exploring The Rocks in Sydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
#feelnewsydney
Sydney Luxury Cruise, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
Sydney Luxury Cruises operates on Sydney Harbour exploring the harbour beaches, waterfront mansions and icons.
Dorothy’s time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
- An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House
- An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo named Dorothy.
- A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
- A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world’s most famous beaches.
And Dorothy’s secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you’ll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there’s anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy’s journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory’s latest video at youtube.com/@YesTheory.
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit sydney.com
Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
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Australian Wildlife Tour Credit: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Australian Wildlife Tour at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
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Bondi Beach, Sydney Credit: Destination NSW
The scenic Bondi coastline in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.