Australia made a profit of more than $40 million from the 2003 World Cup,but decisions in years since have left Australian rugby in poor financial health. RA recorded a $27.1 million loss in 2020,due largely to COVID-19,and has relied on loans to keep the professional game afloat.
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“[We will] learn from lessons we’ve had from previous events that have previously come to our shores,” Marinos said. “We want to make sure we look after the money from the revenues that are generated and we reinvest back into the game and secure the long-term sustainability of the game.
“This is not about getting a windfall and propping up artificially certain areas of the game for a short-term return. This is about putting it into an investment vehicle that is going to drive long-term sustainability.”
McLennan added:“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and we’re now closer than ever before to making that dream a reality.”
Marinos and a big team of RA officials spent the past three weeks in the United Kingdom meeting with influential World Rugby figures.
RA was able to convince World Rugby that Australia’s bid was far superior to that of the USA,who are now frontrunners to host the men’s 2031 World Cup.
“It’s time the southern hemisphere had a go,” executive director of Australia’s bid Phil Kearns said. “More than anything,we’re a safe pair of hands.”
Meanwhile,Sydney and Melbourne look set to battle it out for hosting rights for the final.
World Rugby rules stipulate a World Cup final must be held at a stadium with 60,000 or more seats.
That leaves Optus Stadium in Perth,Stadium Australia in Sydney and the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the only three venues in the country that meet the criteria.
Marinos stressed it would be World Rugby’s decision but the lure of bigger crowds in Sydney and Melbourne may see Perth miss out.
“I would say there are two venues,being Stadium Australia and the MCG,” Marinos said. “Possibly Perth but you’d think for a World Cup final … that’s World Rugby’s decision. We’d certainly be a voice in their ear and understanding where we’re going to get the best yield and the most support.”
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RA has forecast that 200,000 international visitors will come to Australia for an event that will generate an estimated $2.5 billion in direct and indirect expenditure to the economy.
Meanwhile,England is set to host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The organising body said discussions were ongoing with a number of interested parties for the women’s 2029 tournament.
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