ACT government to consider Rugby Australia World Cup proposal as Pete Samu returns to Wallabies

Bid leader Phil Kearns, Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan and chief executive Andy Marinos have been in England wooing influential figures to build support for the proposal.

World Rugby's hosting decision, which will be made in May next year, is a critical one for Australian rugby and the dire financial position of the game.

The government has baulked at the initial asking price to be one of 10 venues used for the tournament.

There is increased competition for content around Australia with Queensland, Western Australia and NSW keen to secure events for new stadiums and Rugby Australia could settle on as few as eight venues for the World Cup.

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The new Parramatta and Moore Park stadiums, as well as Homebush, will definitely be used in NSW while Townsville, the Gold Coast and Brisbane are in contention in Queensland.

Perth and Adelaide have one main stadium each, while Melbourne can offer two venues if required.

Canberra Stadium is the oldest of all venues being considered, but Rugby Australia is still keen to work with the government.

But the government says it's No. 1 priority is the ACT Brumbies and helping ensure their long-term viability.

"The ACT government remains engaged with the bid committee on Australia's Rugby World Cup 2027 bid," a government spokesperson said.

"The extent of our involvement in the tournament is yet to be determined.

"The ACT government is a major financial supporter of Rugby in Canberra. Our first, and most significant, priority is to support the Brumbies and community rugby.

"Secondly, we pay Rugby Australia to bring Wallabies and Wallaroos game to Canberra. Beyond this, we will consider rugby content that does not feature Australian teams."

The Wallabies were supposed to play in Canberra for the first time since 2017 this year, but COVID restrictions forced officials to relocate the match against Argentina.

There have been no discussions yet about rescheduling the game for 2022.

The Wallabies will play their last Test of the year when they meet Wales in Cardiff on Sunday morning, with coach Dave Rennie calling Brumbies back-rower Pete Samu into the starting side to replace injured captain Michael Hooper.

Brumbies prop James Slipper will replace Hooper as skipper, while Allan Alaalatoa returns to the bench after missing the loss to England last week because of concussion.

"It's great to have Taniela [Tupou] and Allan back in the mix this week, they bring a level of experience that will be key for us against a tough Welsh team," Rennie said.

"Slips is hugely respected in our mob and a strong contributor to our leadership group. He was the obvious choice to lead us in the absence of Hoops."

WALLABIES v WALES at Cardiff, 4.30am, Sunday

Wallabies team: 1. James Slipper, 2. Tolu Latu, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Rory Arnold, 5. Izack Rodda, 6. Rob Leota, 7. Pete Samu, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Nic White, 10. James O'Connor, 11. Filipo Daugunu, 12. Hunter Paisami, 13. Len Ikitau, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Kurtley Beale. Reserves: 16. Folau Fainga'a, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Allan Alaalatoa, 19. Will Skelton, 20. Lachlan Swinton, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Lalakai Foketi, 23. Tom Wright.

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