Rugby Australia welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to provide $90 million in funding to help deliver the 2027 and 2029 Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups and ensure they leave a lasting legacy for communities across Australia and the Pacific.
The Federal Minister for Sport, the Hon Anika Wells, joined Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert and CEO Phil Waugh, Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley, Wallabies and Wallaroos forwards Tom Hooper and Tiarah Minns and junior players from across Brisbane on Wednesday to announce the Impact Beyond legacy program.
Under the agreement between the Federal Government, Rugby Australia and World Rugby, the first Rugby World Cups to be staged on Australian shores in 24 years will usher in a new era of long-term, sustainable growth for rugby in the region with a particular focus on boosting school and club participation, improving facilities, developing coaches and match officials and providing more opportunities for women and girls.
The Impact Beyond legacy program focuses on expanding and strengthening rugby in Australia and increasing capability and sustainability throughout Oceania.
In Australia, the Impact Beyond program will accelerate growth in rugby participation nationwide with aims to increase registered participants in competitions by 30%, double participation in club programs and boost female participation by 70% by the end of 2029.
And in the Pacific, Impact Beyond provides a multi-year blueprint in collaboration with the Federal Government’s PacificAus Sports program to provide targeted investment into the four key pillars of international performance development, governance and financial sustainability, community rugby development and regional engagement.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh said:
“Rugby plays a vital role in communities across Australia and the Pacific and today’s announcement by the Federal Government ensures that great work will expand and evolve, positively impacting the lives of millions throughout the region.
“The Rugby World Cups in 2027 and 2029 in Australia present a generational opportunity to showcase the passion and purpose of Australian and Pacific Rugby – and the incredible communities supporting them – to the world and ensure the long-term sustainability and success of rugby in Australia and the Pacific.
“With the valued support of Minister Wells and the Federal Government, the legacy of the world’s third largest sporting event will live on long after the tournaments themselves, with more girls and boys playing the game, better infrastructure for all and fans old and new contributing to a culture and spirit unique to rugby and renowned around the world.”
Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells said:
“The Albanese Government's $90 million investment will get more women, girls and grassroots players into rugby, growing the sport in Australia and the Pacific and leaving a lasting legacy from these major competitions.
“The benefits of these tournaments will be felt well beyond the final whistle, encouraging Australians – especially women and girls – to pick up a ball and get involved.
“Hosting these major events in Australia will also boost tourism, create jobs and support local businesses. This is another way we are working with our Pacific neighbours to grow and strengthen our ties through sport."
World Rugby Chair Brett Robinson said:
“Australia has a once in a generation opportunity to supercharge rugby union, both at home and across the Pacific, by hosting back to back Rugby World Cups, with the men’s tournament in 2027 followed by the women’s tournament in 2029.
“Impact Beyond is a codesigned and targeted programme that draws on the expertise of our delivery partners, Rugby Australia, Pacific Unions and Oceania Rugby, to identify real needs, grow rugby and enrich lives by empowering people at every level of the game, strengthening communities and ensuring the entire ecosystem is stronger, more inclusive and better equipped to thrive long after these tournaments have been played.”
