Rugby dreams big
Townsville vying for home game advantage in Cup
LOCAL leaders are hoping Townsville can relive the glory of 2003, when the city hosted rugby cult heroes the Cherry Blossoms, at the upcoming 2027 Rugby World Cup.
After news broke of Australia’s success at securing both the men’s (2027) and women’s (2029) Rugby World Cups, talk immediately turned to how can Townsville tap into the extremely lucrative sport and get the world’s eyes on the city.
And with five years to make moves, Townsville is positioning itself to host a team at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Despite Townsville’s claim to fame as a rugby league heartland, the city last year hosted both the Oceania Sevens and two international games as part of the 2021 etoro Rugby Championship.
Mundingburra MP Les Walker said it was likely Townsville would get in on the action for the cups.
Mr Walker said like Townsville did in 2003 with the Cherry Blossoms, the city would back its home team.
Mr Walker added the city also had the potential to host training and acclimatising events in the lead up to the games. Sports and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said he had no doubt Townsville would play a role in the World Cup.
“I think there is a wonderful opportunity for that stadium to have more rugby content,” he said.
Mayor Jenny Hill said Townsville City Council would be able to put its best foot forward after the federal election was out of the way.
She said it would be great for the city to host a couple of pool games at least.
Townsville Enterprise director visitor economy and marketing Lisa Woolfe said back in 2003, the city was a “home away from home” for Japan, with the team playing three games against France, Scotland and Fiji at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
“With Australia being announced as the successful bidder for the 2027 and 2029 Rugby and Women’s Rugby World Cups, Townsville is again putting its hand up to share world class facilities, a winter climate second to none and a population that know how to get behind a special occasion and play a role,” Ms Woolfe said.
Economist Colin Dwyer said Townsville deserved its fair share of the third-largest sporting event in the world.
He said the city needed to get prepared to capitalise on the future opportunities.
Mr Dwyer said the 2001 British Lions game was pivotal for Townsville, with it also laying the groundwork for the city’s involvement in the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
“Townsville can replicate the experience of Rugby World Cup 2003, have an international team train and play here, encourage rugby spectators to visit and stay allowing business to capitalise,” he said.
“Townsville needs to sharpen its Stadium Capability statement, send a strong message to Rugby Australia.”