ACT government would expect 'significant returns' backing Rugby Australia's World Cup bid

Rugby Australia launched its bid for the 2027 World Cup last week and want the tournament to have a national footprint with a maximum of 10 venues to be used.

Officials see Canberra as a core rugby market, home to Super Rugby powerhouse the ACT Brumbies, and say the city is not out of the equation to host matches.

Rugby Australia's bid team has engaged with the ACT government about investing in the tournament budget, but any cash injection will hinge on the promise of high-quality games, costs and infrastructure requirements.

Each state and territory government will be able to put forward preferences for which countries they would prefer to host throughout the World Cup.

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Rugby Australia will look to maximise ticket sales when deciding which teams play in which venues, while player welfare and travel requirements will also be a key factor.

"The ACT will consider involvement subject to realistic cost and stadium infrastructure requirements and sufficiently high-quality games," an ACT government spokesperson said.

"We would expect a significant return on investment for rugby in Canberra from any taxpayer investment."

World Rugby has called for submissions of interest to host the event by the end of the month, with the tournament seen as Australia's to lose.

Bid executive director Phil Kearns says the ACT will need to get a wriggle on if it is to host games, given Canberra Stadium will be 50 years old by the time the tournament arrives.

Rugby officials also want the World Cup to leave a lasting legacy in host cities, as they weigh up how the event can support stadium and city infrastructure.

Hopes of a new stadium in the heart of the city by 2027 seem a long shot at best, but officials are open to retrofitting elements of the venue for the tournament.

ACT Brumbies chief Phil Thomson says a new stadium in Civic would be the dream outcome.

"For the Raiders, Brumbies and if there was a soccer team in Canberra, it would be great for all codes and all spectators who follow those codes," Thomson said.

"Anything new adds an element of excitement and interest to get people to the grounds.

"[A World Cup in Australia] would be a big boost for the game. There is always a lot of excitement around World Cups.

"Hosting a World Cup is a big occasion for the sport, but for the cities where the games are held.

"Canberra hosted a pool for a month or so in 2003. It was great for the city and great for the rugby community in Canberra and the region to be able to get to games."

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