News
Australia want another RWC
August 15 2008
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has lodged an expression of interest with the sport's world governing body to stage its third Rugby World Cup.
The move follows an invitation by the International Rugby Board to member countries to flag their interest in staging the 2015 or 2019 tournaments.
By expressing interest, the ARU is keeping its options open, the ARU said in a statement, adding that a thorough assessment process would need to be undertaken before considering a full-scale bid.
"Lodging an expression of interest, however, keeps ARU 'in the ball park' while assessing what would clearly be a daunting financial challenge," it said.
Australia hosted the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and the 2003 edition. Neighbouring New Zealand will hold the 2011 World Cup and a decision on the hosting rights for the 2015 and 2019 tournaments will be made next July.
The ARU said the 2003 World Cup in Australia carried costs of $149 million and the cost of the 2019 tournament could exceed $372 million.
The 2003 Rugby World Cup attracted almost two million spectators to Australian venues with a cumulative television audience of 3.4 billion in 193 countries, the ARU said.
Australia has won the World Cup twice - in 1991 and 1999.