It's officially gone. Australian rugby has set off to win the organization of the 2027 World Cup with the announcement on Tuesday of the creation of an advisory council of seven personalities, including former Prime Minister John Howard, Australian glory, double world champion (1991 and 1999), John Eales, and personalities from the business world. The new president of the Australian federation Hamish McLennan, a former television man, said that he had formed this council in order to present for 2027 a "direct elimination candidate".
. @ RugbyAU Chairman, Hamish McLennan has announced the formation of an Advisory Board to oversee Rugby Australia's historic bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
MEDIA: https://t.co/cNWE7d4hVdpic.twitter.com/IPO74xpRSi
"As I announced when I agreed to take the lead, the Mondial 2027 was one of my priorities and we took a giant step towards a winning bid," said elected McLennan. mid-May to get Australian rugby out of a crisis reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic. I am honored that each of these incredibly successful individuals has agreed to support this important project. ”
Australian federation candidate to fill its deficit
The 2027 World Cup is seen as an outcome in order to unite a sport plagued by financial and sporting difficulties: the Wallabies have indeed dropped to 7th place in the world ranking while the Federation, undermined no bitter internal struggles , posted a deficit of 10 million Australian dollars (5.5 million euros) in 2019. With the cessation of competitions caused by the health crisis, a dozen leaders agreed in late March to reduce their salaries by 30% until September 30. Player salaries have been cut by around 60% and Rugby Australia laid off a third of its staff in early June.
The last Australian Cup, twice titled, dates back to 2003, when John Howard was Prime Minister. He gave the trophy to England who had shattered the dreams of the Australian people to lift the Webb Ellis trophy on their land, beaten in the final in Sydney after extra time (20-17) on a drop by Johnny Wilkinson.
After Argentina's renunciation, Russia is the only other officially candidate country
Australia appears to be the big favorite for 2027, although the official process should not start until November and designation in 2021. Argentina pulled out of the race last month and the only other country to speak out publicly his interest is Russia. The organization of the 2023 World Cup by France should encourage attribution to a country in the southern hemisphere.
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