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Government injects almost $9-million into Rugby World Cup bid

The Federal government is backing Australia’s efforts to bring the 2027 Rugby World Cup Down Under, with an $8.8-million funding injection to support the bid.

Hosting the event would provide a major economic and tourism boost to the country. It’s estimated the tournament would bring over 200,000 international visitors to Australia, generate an estimated $2.2-billion in economic activity and create 12,000 jobs.

Announcing the support package yesterday (Saturday), Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said the Rugby World Cup was the second largest single-sport event in the world, and hosting it would be a major shot in the arm for the Australian tourism industry, paving the way for new infrastructure projects and jobs.

Economic boost for the country

“Australia has a proud history of hosting major international sporting events and winning this bid would be another vote of confidence in our ability to host big-ticket events as well as provide a major economic boost for our tourism industry and the broader economy,” Birmingham said.

“Australia’s hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup would bring visitors from all around the globe to our shores, inject millions into the local economy and support thousands of jobs across the country.

“Events of this magnitude have huge flow-on effects through the entire economy – whether it be accommodation providers, tourism operators, car hire companies, restaurants and bars, or the retail sector.”

We’ll all be part of the excitement

Sports Minister, Richard Colbeck, added that the funding would be used to help Rugby Australia develop the best possible bid with the greatest chance of success.

“As a country, we have an incredible track record of successfully hosting sporting events on a global scale. An event of this size is expected to have a national footprint and regional benefits, so all Australians can feel part of the excitement,” he stated.

A successful bid will bolster community spirit and significantly contribute to the country’s long-term recovery from COVID-19, with Rugby Australia projecting over $2-billion in economic and social benefits from hosting the event.”

Mike Simpson

Mike Simpson has been in the media industry for 25-plus years. He writes on finance, the economy, general business, marketing, travel, lifestyle and motoring.