Australia To Host 2027, 2029 World Cups
Australian Rugby is primed to enter a golden decade, primed to attract and inspire the next generation of players.
This was the view of Wallabies and Wallaroos captains Michael Hooper and Shannon Parry as Australia was confirmed as the hosts of the 2027 and 2029 World Cups.
The announcement was made late Thursday, which will see England host the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the USA take charge of the 2031 and 2033 tournaments.
“It’s pretty special,” Hooper said to reporters.
“The runway from this all comes together in the next 10 years of rugby. Not only with these World Cups but with rugby’s involvement in the Olympics and what that looks like.
“It’s a pretty good time to be a young rugby player or looking to play rugby.
“I think playing anyone at home is something special,” Parry added.
“We’ve seen the effectiveness in the Sevens with the Commonwealth Games and the Sydney Sevens and how big the crowd the women’s game can draw to a stadium.
“I think it’s really exciting to have it down under and as we’ve seen, it’s the runway for starting not only men’s but women’s rugby with all the landmark events and rugby is going to front and centre for the next decade.”
It adds to a growing calendar of landmark Rugby events in the country, with the World Cups set to be preceded by the Lions Tour in 2025 and a Commonwealth Games in 2026 set to split the two Cups.
Coupled with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and it provides a worldclass opportunity for both men and women coming through the grassroots for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
“I think there’s the opportunity to set it up for the future,” Hooper believes.
“With the Lions, we know it’s going to be massive. With that and the women’s World Cup, you start to create a runway for this next ten years but further and hopefully my little boy is able to play the game and there’s an opportunity for him to play professionally if he wants to.
“It’s such a great spot at so many levels, the ability to (keep) doing at that level would be so good.
“That’s literally what it has the opportunity to do, bring fans back to loving the game because it’s a unique one.
“This has a knock on effect, doesn’t it? Not only the want to be here and play is something that’s intangible but there’s that financial level where you are able to marry that up so you have those extra layers to stay.” –rugby.com.au
uper Rugby newbies, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika are gunning for a win when they play today at the CommBank Stadium in Parramatta, Sydney.
Drua head coach, Mick Byrne, was on the right track when he said that it would be a bruising encounter.
“They (Drua and Moana players) are mates but they get a bit of respect by how they hit each other as mates, so we are in for a pretty bruising and exciting affair,” he said.
Moana Pasifika head coach, Aaron Mauger, has based his Match 23 selection on combination and firepower of his players.
The former All Blacks second fiveeight has opted for Danny ToalaSolomone Kata partnership in the centres.
He has named the fiery Jack Lam and playmaker Christian Leali’ifano on the bench and will bring them later into the game to provide the impact.
This, Mauger hopes, should give them the edge on the scoreline.
So, let’s take a look at three of the interesting match-ups in this much anticipated clash, which gets underway at 4.35pm.
#1. TE AHIWARU CIRIKIDAVETA v HENRY TIME- STOWERS
Stowers, 27, has been dubbed the Beast for his aggressive play and strong carries.
He has Super Rugby experience playing for Western Force, Brumbies and now Moana Pasifika.
The 24-year-old Cirikidaveta has been a revelation for the Drua and controls the game well from the back of the scrum.
He’s a strong tackler and reads the game well.
For him to start ahead of season captain, Nemani Nagusa, tells a lot about Cirikidaveta’s ability as a No.8.
#2. ONISI RATAVE v TIMOCI TAVATAVANAWAI
Tavatavanawai is another strong running Fijian winger who has become the go-to-man for the Moana Pasifika side.
He was first identified by Crusaders head coach, Scott Robertson and roped the former Fijian Under-20 winger into their extended squad.
Tavatavanawai signed up with Moana Pasifika and after sitting out in a couple of their matches, he was finally given the chance to play and is now playing week in and week out.
Ratave’s style of play has been likened to Rupeni Caucaunibuca and is a clinical finisher.
He is the Drua’s top try scorer with six.
Ratave came in as a sub against the Hurricanes in the final 20 minutes, scored a try and was named in the Super Rugby Team of the Week.
It will be interesting to see how he will take on Tavatavanawai.
#3. TETI TELA v LINCOLN McCLUTCHIE
They will don the No.10 jumper and control the tempo of the game.
Mauger is confident that McClutchie has got what it takes to match up to the qualities of Christian Leali’ifano, who is on the bench.
For Tela, this is his chance to step up and take control of the game.
Already a strong contender for the Flying Fijians No.10 in the July Test matches, Tela plays a crucial role in organising the backline and guiding the forwards in this mustwin clash.