Australia announced as preferred host for 2029 World Cup

Australia has been named World Rugby's preferred host of the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup as the country continues to attract major sports events.

If confirmed as host in May, it will be the first time Australia has staged the women's tournament, just two years after holding the men's 2027 Rugby World Cup, which is all but locked in.

It would mean Australia will host the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, FIFA Women's World Cup, world road cycling championships, men's T20 cricket World Cup and a British and Irish Lions Tour along with the two Rugby World Cups in the next 10 years.

As the preferred host, World Rugby will now meet with Rugby Australia and government representatives this week to progress a hosting model for both World Cups before a final vote in May in Dublin.

"This is a truly wonderful addition to our bid for Rugby World Cup 2027 and we would love to welcome the pinnacle event on the women's XVs calendar to our shores for the first time in 2029," Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said.

"Hosting two Rugby World Cups is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia and the Rugby community and all aspirational future Wallaroos and Wallabies who will shortly be kicking off their season across the country.

"The fact we have reached this stage in the process as preferred candidate for both the men's and women's tournaments is something the Australian Rugby community should be incredibly proud of."

Sport Minister Richard Colbeck said it was another example of Australia's reputation for successfully delivering sporting events.

"Securing the Women's Rugby World Cup 2029 for Australia will be another milestone event in our green and gold decade to raise the profile of women's sport," he said.

"It will drive increased participation in physical activity by girls and women, and improve gender equality and social inclusion in sport."

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin said hosting the two events would "cement the nation's status as being at the heart of the rugby universe for a three-year period".

Australia has never won the Women's World Cup, but did finish third in 2010.

It co-hosted the men's World Cup in 1987 with New Zealand and staged it solo in 2003.