New Zealand has pipped Australia in the race to host the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
A last-ditch pitch by Rugby Australia’s head of women’s rugby Jilly Collins, CEO Raelene Castle and chairman Cameron Clyne to the 42-member Rugby World council in Dublin, proved to be in vain as New Zealand became the first southern hemisphere country to host the event.
New Zealand powerbrokers have been promised $10million in central government support for the tournament which will be based in Auckland and Northland and this appears to be what got their bid over the line.
Australia’s proposal was centred around Newcastle and the Hunter region and RA were confident of a rare trans-Tasman success over their fiercest rugby rivals.
There were a record six tenders for 2021 before England, France, Wales and Portugal dropped from the race in August.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “Congratulations to New Zealand on being elected Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 host.
“They presented a very strong and compelling bid and we look forward to working with New Zealand Rugby to host a successful and inspiring tournament.
“I would also like to thank Australia for its exceptional bid. We hope to welcome Australia back to bid again in the future.”
Tournament matches will be played at the 5,000 capacity Waitakere Stadium in Auckland and the Northland Events Centre in Whangarei, with a capacity of up to 20,000 as well as the 25,000 capacity Albany Stadium and Eden Park, which hosted the Rugby World Cup 2011 final.
Following the announcement New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: “I’m hugely excited the event will be held here.
“New Zealand is the home of women’s rugby, the Black Ferns captured our imaginations again when they won their fifth World Cup title last year, and our entire country will get behind the tournament and all the teams participating in 2021.”
Black Ferns captain Fiao’o Faamausili, speaking from Grenoble in France, said hosting a World Cup in New Zealand will be very special.
“We have the opportunity to showcase the best of women’s rugby in front of the world’s best supporters.”
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