New Zealand Rugby in the running to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021

Aug 11 • General News, International, World Rugby • 2631 Views • Comments Off on New Zealand Rugby in the running to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021

Auckland and Whangarei confirmed as host cities if bid successful
New Zealand Government supports New Zealand Rugby in bid
Possibility of Pacific Island women’s rugby tournament
WRWC could be held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have submitted their bid to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2021 (WRWC2021).

If the historic bid is successful, Auckland and Whangarei will be the host cities and it would be the first time the WRWC has ever been played in the Southern Hemisphere. Under the plan matches would be played at Albany Stadium, Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events Centre, with Eden Park also available.

The New Zealand Government strongly supports the bid, with backing from MBIE, Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and Whangarei District Council.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has said the New Zealand Government fully supports the bid by NZR to host the WRWC2021 in New Zealand.

“We would be thrilled for the event to be held here. New Zealand is the home of women’s rugby, the Black Ferns captured our imaginations again when they won their fifth World Cup title last year, and our entire country would get behind the tournament and all the teams participating.

“New Zealand welcomes major events and has a successful track record in hosting and organising many large events including RWC2011, FIFA U20 World Cup 2015, Cricket World Cup 2015, World Masters Games 2017 and the upcoming America’s Cup in 2021.

“It’s exciting to see the regional element to our bid. I know Northland will embrace games being held in their part of the country and their local support will be a key ingredient in its success.

“This Government is committed to more women and girls getting involved in sport, so we are enthusiastic supporters of bringing this elite women’s tournament to New Zealand and inspiring a new generation of women and girls to get involved in rugby.”

NZR Board member and former Black Fern #68 Farah Palmer said the WRWC is the pinnacle of women’s rugby and hosting the 2021 tournament in New Zealand would provide the platform for World Rugby to take the women’s game to the next level.

As Black Ferns captain, Palmer led the team to three successive World Cup titles between 1998 and 2006 and is well placed to understand how the WRWC can empower players and grow the game.

“The opportunity to host the event in New Zealand for the first time would be a privilege and a beacon to continue to grow the women’s game in New Zealand and globally.

“The WRWC2021 provides New Zealand with an opportunity to continue to grow the Black Ferns legacy, inspire women globally, encourage girls and women around the world to pick up a rugby ball and provides opportunities to develop women’s rugby in the Asia-Pacific region.

“NZR is highly experienced in the operational planning and delivery of world class events with sustainable commercial returns.”

Palmer said she was pleased that NZR are exploring the option to host a Pacific Island women’s rugby tournament alongside the WRWC2021.

“The potential to create a Pacific Island women’s rugby tournament to run in parallel to the WRWC2021 would help grow the game further and provide experience and development opportunities for players.”

A decision on the host nation will be made by the World Rugby Council on 14 November 2018.

WRWC2021 host selection process timelines

31 May 2018:            Deadline for formal expressions of hosting interest from unions
1 June 2018:             Bid documents distributed to interested unions
10 August 2018:        Bid responses submitted by unions to World Rugby
14 November 2018: World Rugby Council selects Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 host