Australian rugby has been to hell and back this year, but the game they play in heaven is about to get an almighty boost.
The world’s envy during the global pandemic – Australia’s favorite sports teams were able to do their business in front of large crowds – and now the government is turning to sports to fuel national recovery.
The Saturday Telegraph can reveal that the Morrison government is providing an additional $ 8.8 million to help Australia secure the right to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Watch every game of the Bledisloe Cup 2020 & Tri Nations Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming right away
Wallabies making changes
2:02
The third largest sporting event in the world where the tournament is held will create 12,000 new jobs, attract more than 200,000 international visitors and generate an estimated economic activity of $ 2.2 billion.
“Events of this magnitude have a huge impact on the entire economy,” said Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham.
“While we are currently unable to welcome international visitors, every effort we can make to secure major events that bring more tourists to Australia will be critical to the overall recovery of our tourism industry.”
The last time Australia hosted the Rugby World Cup was in 2003, the tournament fascinated the entire nation and Federal Sports Minister Richard Colbeck said there would be an even bigger party in 2027 after the coronavirus got dark.
Fox Sports Sportmail has the latest rugby news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox. Join Now!!!
“It has been a challenging time for the Australian sports community as the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been postponed to 2021 and a number of other high profile sporting events have been canceled or postponed,” he said.
“A successful offering will strengthen the community spirit and contribute significantly to the country’s long-term recovery from COVID-19.”
The final decision on the venue for the 2027 Rugby World Cup has been postponed to mid-2022. However, Australia is the favorite after assembling a high profile bid team that includes former Prime Minister John Howard, ex-Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, John Coates, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, Rod Eddington, former chairman of British Airways, Elizabeth Gaines, head of Fortescue Metals Group, Olivia Wirth, senior executive at Qantas, and wallaby legends Phil Kearns, John Eales and Gary Ella.
“It’s going very well,” said Hamish McLennan, chairman of Rugby Australia. “We are probably the most advanced command to date.”
Leading the bid, Kearns – who has won two world championships as a player – says the government’s full commitment to the campaign is the green light the team needs to move forward.
“Basically, it gives us the confidence to proceed with the offer,” said Kearns.
“It’s great that the government has recognized that the World Cup here in Australia is good for Australian youth and rugby players, great for rugby Australia in general and the wider community, and good for Australia.
“All states now have the opportunity to apply for these games. Therefore, all Australian states have the opportunity to attend, regardless of whether they host games or other cultural events, making it a true national event. ”
.
