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.”
sittingbison
Roar Pro
Twiggy has even moved Global Rapid Rugby to Honkers, to avoid the political morass and glacial speed (like walking through honey) of RA
Ex force fan
Guest
Australia loose against New Zealand is not news. Business as usual.
Debco
Guest
What result would you expect with New Zealander Raelene Castle in charge of the Australian Rugby representing Australia's interests This failed Rugby League Manager who publicly declares her favourite team is the New Zealanders.
Brizvegas
Guest
Nah Bing think it more reflects the state of rugby in this country. NZ bid and Australia bid were pretty close I believe I wonder what got it across the line for NZ. Personally and financially RA desperately needs something globally to try and get it's teeth into because there isn't anything on the rugby horizon to look forward to for RA.
Dave
Guest
I see you are having a whine ...... as usual
Bing
Guest
I see the NZ media and some supporters have been gracious about this...... as usual.
Ben
Guest
Well this from Stuff news... "Rugby Australia were confident of securing the rights to become the first southern hemisphere nation to host the tournament after securing $10m in government funding - $7m more than what was promised to New Zealand.". Who do you believe? The Roar or Stuff? Who knows who got $10mil.
Craigo
Guest
If you want Zero media coverage. Pathetic crowds. Zero FTA TV coverage then give the Woman's World Cup to RA to run. Smart move World Rugby. RA has an inability to do anything successfully.
Smiggle Jiggle
Roar Guru
Wow, the coffin is running out of room for all these nails.
Jeansyjive
Roar Rookie
Another cross for RA
Rebel334
Roar Rookie
It was supported by the NSW government in their ambition to get 10 for 10 (10 major sporting events in NSW in 10 years). As much as i like the idea of sending it to Newcastle, i think they could of used the glamour of having it based in Sydney with Newcastle been used as an outpost. Of the 3 groups could of had 1 based in Newcastle, 1 based in Wollongong and 1 based in Sydney.
Brizvegas
Guest
Ralene and Declyne will be spitting tacks especially with the precarious financial position the RA are currently in. Lack of opportunity for sponsors to be involved in women's rugby here in Australia. Oddly enough no mention was made of government funding unlike NZ.
P2R2
Roar Rookie
Well done NZRU - outstanding, excellent.... sorry bout that Aussie...