Rugby World Cup
How Kearns went from outspoken critic to 2027 Rugby World Cup hero
Phil Kearns was a big critic of Rugby Australia, until a new chairman saw an opportunity to harness the power and influence of the Wallabies great.
- by Georgina Robinson
Latest
Rugby Australia to lock away $100m ‘future fund’ from World Cup windfall
After the 2003 World Cup, a $45m war chest swiftly evaporated. Rugby Australia has a plan to make sure its profits from the 2027 tournament last much longer.
- by Iain Payten
How game-changing Cup bid ended rugby’s years of living dangerously
Former US vice president Al Gore was the precursor to Australian rugby’s ‘light on the hill’ moment. And the stakes couldn’t have been higher for the local game.
- by Georgina Robinson
Updated
Australian rugby
‘Huge opportunity’: Australia to host 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups
Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup after the bids were rubber-stamped by World Rugby.
- by Iain Payten and Tom Decent
The winner is ... Australia: All you need to know about the 2027 Rugby World Cup
Australia will host the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups. What does it all mean?
- by Tom Decent
Victorian rugby chiefs push MCG for World Cup final
Rugby chiefs from the southern state believe hosting the World Cup final at the MCG could turbocharge the game in Victoria.
- by Michael Lynch
‘Money-can’t-buy stuff’: O’Neill backs Sydney to host 2027 RWC finale
Australia will host the 2027 Rugby World Cup and the man behind the 2003 tournament, John O’Neill, has a view a finals and how to not squander the profits.
- by Iain Payten
Opinion
Australian rugby
Painful $45m lesson of 2003 must be heeded if Australian rugby is to thrive
It’s gone down in rugby folklore how the ARU squandered its profits from the Rugby World Cup 19 years ago. That simply can’t happen again.
- by Wayne Smith
Opinion
Australian rugby
Better days: Why Australian rugby’s turning point is here
Throw away your Pete Murray albums - it’s safe to take pride in Australian rugby again.
- by Georgina Robinson
Analysis
Australian rugby
And the winner is, Melbourne? Why Accor’s future matters for rugby
Could Sydney lose out to Melbourne for a Rugby World Cup final? Absolutely, and here’s why.
- by Georgina Robinson
‘We think it’s a bit much’: Football, rugby want a say in NSW stadium spending
Sydney’s hopes of hosting the 2027 Rugby World Cup final and a potential Australian bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup could be plunged into turmoil if the NSW government again walks away from plans to put a roof on Accor Stadium.
- by Georgina Robinson and Vince Rugari