Second country enter race to host 2027 Rugby World Cup

Tuesday, 16 June 2020 at 07:46

bySteven Smith

The Wallabies announced today that it had recruited heavy-hitters from business and politics, including former prime minister John Howard, to boost its bid for the 2027 World Cup.

Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said he had formed a seven-person advisory board of prominent rugby supporters that aimed to deliver “a knockout bid” for the showpiece tournament.

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.@RugbyAU Chairman, Hamish McLennan has announced the formation of an Advisory Board to oversee Rugby Australia’s historic bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup. MEDIA: australia.rugby/news/2020/06/1…

9:45 PM · Jun 15, 2020

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“I am honoured that each of these incredibly successful individuals has agreed to get behind this important project,” said McLennan, who took over last month with the sport in disarray.

Chaired by high-profile businessman Sir Rod Eddington, the advisory board includes Howard, ex-Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, World Cup-winning Wallabies captain John Eales, Fortescue Metals Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines, Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth and McLennan, who chairs several ASX-listed companies.

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The 2027 World Cup is seen as a way to unite a sport struggling with financial difficulties, the Wallabies’ slide to seventh in the world rankings and bitter infighting.

Argentina pulled out of the running last month and the only other country to publicly express interest is Russia, although there would likely be resistance to holding back to-back tournaments in Europe after France 2023. The USA could also be rival to Australia.

The 2027 and 2031 World Cup hosts will be announced in 2021 with the formal bid process to begin later this year.

British & Irish Lions predicted 2021 starting XV according to the bookies

You can view the full odds from Paddy Power HERE.

Odds are accurate on Wednesday, 22nd May 2020, 8am, and are subject to change.

Fullback: LIAM WILLIAMS (Wales 4/7)

Other contenders: Stuart Hogg (Scotland 4/6), Jordan Larmour (Ireland EVS), Leigh Halfpenny (Wales 5/1), George Furbank (England 7/2)

Left wing: JONNY MAY (England 1/25)

Other contenders: Jacob Stockdale (Ireland 1/3), Adam Radwan (England 40/1), Jack Nowell (England 11/4), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales 13/8)

Outside-centre: JONATHAN DAVIES (Wales 1/3)

Other contenders: Henry Slade (England 5/6), Garry Ringshow (Ireland 4/6), Jonathan Joseph (England 13/8), Chris Harris (Scotland 20/1), Huw Jones (Scotland 6/1)

Inside-centre: MANU TUILAGI (England 1/3)

Other contenders: Robbie Henshaw (Ireland 5/6), Hadleigh Parkes (Wales 5/4), Sam Johnson (Scotland 9/2)

Right wing: JOSH ADAMS (Wales 1/18)

Other contenders: Anthony Watson (England 4/6), George North (Wales 2/1), Elliot Daly (England 10/11), Joe Cokanasiga (England 3/1), Keith Earls (Ireland 9/2)

Fly-half: OWEN FARRELL (England 1/25)

Other contenders: Johnny Sexton (Ireland 1/2), Dan Biggar (Wales 8/15), Finn Russell (Scotland 3/1), Marcus Smith (England 8/1)

Scrum-half: CONOR MURRAY (Ireland 4/6)

Other contenders: Tomos Williams (Wales 5/4), Ben Youngs (England 6/4), Ali Price (Scotland 2/1)

Looshead-prop: MAKO VUNIPOLA (England 4/6)

Other contenders: Ellis Genge (England 1/3), Cian Healy (Ireland 5/6), Joe Marler (England 5/2)

Hooker: JAMIE GEORGE (England 1/10)

Other contenders: Luke Cowan-Dickie (England 4/6), Ken Owens (Wales 7/4), Stuart McInally (Scotland 7/2)

Tighthead-prop: Tadhg Furlong (Ireland 1/15)

Other contenders: Kyle Sinckler (England 1/5), Tomas Francis (Wales 11/8), Harry Williams (England 5/1)

Lock: MATO ITOJE (England 1/10)

Other contenders: James Ryan (Ireland 1/5), Jonny Gray (Scotland 8/11)

Lock: ALUN WYN JONES (Wales 1/5)

Other contenders: Iain Henderson (Ireland 4/6), Courtney Lawes (England 5/4), George Kruis (England 7/2), Jean Kleyn (Ireland 33/1), Richie Gray (Scotland 5/1)