The Rugby World Cup will be held in Australia following a successful bid for the tournament, with the men’s cup in 2027 and the women’s in 2029.

The tournaments are expected to attract thousands of visitors and showcase the country to billions worldwide.

The Cup is held every four years and is widely recognised as one of the world’s biggest sporting events following the Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. 

The men’s Cup brings together 20 international teams from around the world to play 48 matches across seven weeks. 

McGowan Government gives support

The McGowan Government threw their support behind the bid last year and is working with Rugby Australia to make Perth a host city for the Women’s tournament. 

World Rugby executives and the Australian 2027 bid team were in Perth last month for a final presentation by the Government and Tourism WA at Optus Stadium. 

The host cities have not yet been confirmed. 

Perth last hosted the men’s tournament in 2003 at the old Subiaco Oval, turning over $41 million in visitor spending.

The WA government says the upcoming tournaments will be even bigger, in terms of revenue, jobs, trade and investment. 

“The World Rugby officials were blown away with what Perth and WA had to offer when I met them recently at Optus Stadium,” says Tourism Minister Roger Cook.

The Australian bid team projects the events will generate $2.8 billion to the economy and produce 14,000 jobs.

Sport and Recreation Minister David Templeman also says hosting the Cup provides inspiration to the community, especially to young and upcoming rugby players.

“We continue to work with World Rugby and Rugby Australia on hosting matches in Perth, and with the world’s best teams playing for World Cup glory, if we secure some games, WA locals will be able to cheer teams on in what will be a truly memorable experience,” says Mr Templeman. 

Catch the latest Perth news on So Perth.