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.
#feelnewsydney #gameon
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
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Vivid Sydney 2024Credit: Destination NSW
The 'Nest' installation at the Stargazer Lawn, Barangaroo during Vivid 2024. Artist: Leila Jeffreys & Melvin J. Montalban. An expansive circular structure welcomes you to bear witness to the ritualistic mating dance of the Brolga, one of only two species of crane native to Australia. Projected onto a transparent surface, the huge bird apparitions appear to float in the air and are visible from both out and inside the Nest.
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Calling All Dreamers: Vivid Sydney Wants You
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest multi-artform festival, is calling on the best creative minds to submit ideas for next year’s event.
Vivid Sydney 2025 will take place from Friday 23 May to Saturday 14 June 2025, with a program centred around the theme of Vivid Sydney, Dream.
Artists, musicians, thought leaders and food creatives are encouraged to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the opportunity to be part of Australia’s largest event and showcase their work to a mass audience across the festival pillars of Light, Music, Ideas and Food.
Destination NSW CEO Steve Cox said: “Since 2009, Vivid Sydney has grown to become Sydney’s vibrant cultural showpiece, driving significant visitation to Sydney and regional NSW and positioning our state as the arts and creative industries capital of the Asia Pacific.
“Vivid Sydney is more than a light show, it is Sydney’s living legacy that captures imaginations and shares with visitors and locals alike the very best talent from our creative, entertainment and hospitality industries.
“I encourage the brightest talents to join Destination NSW in creating an event that elevates the Harbour City as the Asia Pacific’s leader in world-class cultural experiences.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Patrons enjoying a night out at Machine Hall during Vivid 2024
Vivid Sydney Festival Director Gill Minervini said: “Vivid Sydney 2025 is pushing the creative boundaries across our theme of “Dream” to deliver another unforgettable global celebration.
“Dreaming is something we all do. It’s as old as time and as universal as life itself. Dreams don’t discriminate – they are borderless, ageless and endless. They can be personal or public. When shared, our dreams can become a movement. They can inspire, motivate, spark excitement and connection.
“The whole world dreams, it is something we have in common, something that unites us. Our human story is embedded in dreams, they help explain our existence and our past.
“We want the very best in homegrown talent to be part of our vibrant Vivid Sydney event program, with a unique opportunity to foster community connection, spark imagination and showcase the multitude of ways creativity can enrich our lives.
“Each year Vivid Sydney aims to deliver unparalleled artistic brilliance and we look forward to welcoming the inspirations within our community that will help shape Vivid Sydney 2025 into a show-stopping cultural phenomenon.”
The Vivid Sydney EOI outlines opportunities for artists, designers, creative industry professionals, equipment suppliers, architects, engineers, promoters, restaurants, event companies, chefs, producers and educational institutions to present their ideas, designs, concepts and interest for inclusion in the annual event.
Light and Cross Art Form EOIs will close on Monday 2 September 2024 with Ideas, Music and Food closing on Friday 27 September 2024.
This year’s Vivid Sydney attracted 2.42 million attendees, making it the third largest on record. Highlights included a record-breaking opening night and the busiest single night in the festival’s history on Sunday 9 June.
While Vivid Sydney 2024 attracted millions of people from across Australia and the globe, it also had a profound impact on the creative minds who helped bring the event to life, including Sydney’s retail, hospitality and accommodation sectors.
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Shifting Perspectives at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024
Leila Jeffreys the artist behind popular Vivid Light 2024 installation Nest said: “Thank you to Festival Director Gill Minervini and all at Vivid Sydney for giving me and my artistic collaborator Melvin J. Montalban the opportunity to create art on a scale that we could not have achieved on our own.
“I visited Nest many times throughout the festival and was always moved to see people from all walks of life and ages stand together to witness the courtship dance of the Brolga, a moment where we all felt the link between the natural world and the human journey.”
Tekno Train creator and composer Paul Mac said: “When I set out to create Tekno Train I wanted to make an experience that fused my love of techno and trains with lights and to share this joy with as many people as possible. The positive reactions I have received from people on the train, as well as the drivers, guards, and random folks on social media has absolutely blown me away.
“Vivid Sydney 2024 has been an unexpected career highlight, and I am forever grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
Club Broadway MC & Music Producer DJ Dan Murphy said: “Bringing our Club Broadway show to a Vivid Sydney audience has been an absolute joy. We loved making our show accessible to a whole new audience who love the world of musical theatre.
“Vivid Sydney is such an amazing and important festival for our city, and we were thrilled to be on the program. From old to young, we had them all on the dancefloor for Club Broadway at Tumbalong Park. The night was absolutely magical and a great way to celebrate our community.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Sex Work; A Social History Walking Tour at Elizabeth Bay for Vivid Ideas during Vivid Sydney 2024. This fascinating walking tour is an invitation to see the area and profession in a new light. Led by writer, performer and Kings Cross local Vashti Hughes and the Inner City Legal Centre's Managing Solicitor Katie Green, you will be immersed in the sights, history and contemporary challenges of sex work in Australia's most famous redlight district.
Service and Creative Skills Australia (the Jobs and Skills Council for Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism and Hospitality) CEO Natalie Turmine said: “Vivid Sydney showcases brilliantly our talented and vibrant creative arts, tourism and hospitality workforce, demonstrating the wealth of exciting career opportunities available in this sector.
“Thank you to all the creative artists, technicians, performers, hospitality staff and event organisers for delivering another successful Vivid Sydney.”
Plate it Forward CEO and restaurateur Shaun Christie-David said: “Vivid Sydney shows the diversity of Sydney, shining a positive light on our city, culture and produce. As a social enterprise hospitality group, it was a privilege to partner with Vivid Sydney to bring the 2024 festival theme humanity to life through food. Food is all about sharing, love, respect and community.
“There is so much pride, joy and power that can be found in food, it is a platform to celebrate culture, make meaningful connections and create jobs. Through working with Vivid Food and selling more than 1000 tacos, more than 1500 meals will be donated to community kitchens for people in need.”
Tourism & Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond said: “Between the lights, the music, the ideas, the food and the incredible vibe…Vivid Sydney has once again delivered a spectacular event for visitors and locals of all ages, with the big winners being local tourism and hospitality operators.”
“The bright lights of Vivid Sydney have showcased first-class hospitality, creativity and our beloved Sydney CBD and Harbour icons to audiences across the globe, demonstrating the value and huge potential of this event and the need to continue investing in world class events.”
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
#feelnewsydney #vividsydney
Vivid Sydney 2024 Credit: Destination NSW
Couple enjoying the Fire Kitchen at The Goods Line during Vivid 2024. It's back and blazing brighter than ever. Vivid Fire Kitchen returns, igniting its new home at The Goods Line with flame-seared street food from around the globe. Come and enjoy the universal language of BBQ, the best NSW produce and the diversity of Sydney's food scene as we gather round the fire once again.
Accommodation Australia’s Michael Johnson said: “Once again, the juggernaut that is Vivid Sydney illuminated the city, shining a light on the beauty and culture of the city.
“Over the course of the event, hotels in the CBD enjoyed 75 per cent occupancy with bookings reaching as high as 90 per cent on weekends. There is no denying major events such as Vivid Sydney, that have the capacity to draw a high level of overnight visitation in the middle of winter, create an incredible boost for the city’s visitor economy.”
Vivid Sydney is owned, managed and produced by Destination NSW, the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency.
For more information and to submit an Expression of Interest for Vivid Sydney 2025, go to www.vividsydney.com