Rugby Australia has today marked 'one month to go' in its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029, launching a national tour with members of the Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos to visit community Rugby events across the country in the lead up to the final World Rugby Council vote.
The tour will see Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos connect with junior Rugby players in every State and Territory over the next four weeks, as Australia aims to secure hosting rights for two Rugby World Cups in the space of three years.
The tour is the culmination of a campaign which started in May last year, when Australia launched its bid to host Rugby World Cup 2027. Australia has since been named preferred candidate to host both Rugby World Cup 2027 and 2029.
Executive Director of Australia's Bid, Phil Kearns said: "Today we're launching our 'one month to go' campaign, which is another opportunity for us to connect with the Rugby community across the country to spread the word about how monumental this would be for our game.
"Hosting two Rugby World Cups in three years would be a game-changer for Rugby in this country, it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that would leave a lasting legacy, including bringing more than 30,000 new participants to the game.
"It would also provide a significant economic boost to the country as we look to rebound from the devastating impacts of COVID-19, with a combined $2.8 billion in direct and indirect expenditure for the economy.
"Since launching the Bid in May last year, we've had an opportunity to connect with all Australians about our vision to host the Rugby World Cup and what it would mean not just for Rugby, but for our nation.
"Through Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos visiting community Rugby events and Test match activities, we have managed to connect with almost a quarter of a million people across the country last year.
"This four-week national tour with the Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos is another great opportunity to connect with the grassroots of the game as we prepare for the important decision from the World Rugby Council next month.
"This is the final push, one month to go before the final whistle. We're ahead on the scoreboard with five minutes left on the clock but we're not taking anything for granted."
Classic Wallabies and Wallaroos 'one month to go' tour :
14-15 April - Darwin, NT
22-24 April - Melbourne, VIC
21-24 April - Warren, NSW
26-27 April - Hobart, TAS
28-29 April - Adelaide, SA
6 May - Brisbane, QLD
10 May - Canberra, ACT
9-13 May - Geraldton and Mullewa, WA