Aussies bid to host mini RWC

Rugby Australia (RA) is in the bid with its new idea to host a mini-Rugby World Cup (RWC) this year.

Cash-strapped Rugby Australia has thrown up the prospect of hosting a mini-World Cup during the Southern Hemisphere winter in what would be a huge boost to rugby-starved fans.

RugbyPass news revealed that with France due to tour Australia in July and the Rugby Championship featuring South Africa, Argentina, and NZ set to go ahead in 2021, the prospect of a mini World Cup doesn’t seem far-fetched.

RA chairman Hamish McLennan plans to ask other nations to also join, with the proposed tournament to run in parallel with the Rugby Championship.

South Africa didn’t make it to Australia in 2020 for the Rugby Championship due to player welfare concerns and logistical difficulties.

It remains unclear whether the world champions are definite starters for this year’s edition since European and South African rugby calendars remain up in the air due to COVID-19.

Australia has been one of the best countries in the world at handling the pandemic, and the prospect of sizable crowds at international rugby matches has the potential to generate much-needed income for the sport.

The official rugby World Cup will be held in France in 2023.

By Romeka Romena