Auckland and Whangarei to host Women’s Rugby World Cup

15 November 2018

Auckland and Whangarei confirmed as hosts of the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup

Auckland and Whangarei have been confirmed as hosts of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 – the first time the tournament will be held in the Southern Hemisphere.

The World Rugby Executive Council announced the winning bid overnight in Dublin with New Zealand coming out top ahead of a competitive bid from Australia.

Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), on behalf of Auckland Council, has supported New Zealand Rugby’s and the government’s bid along with co-host Whangarei.

Mayor Phil Goff says it is great news that Auckland will be jointly hosting this exciting event.

“We are looking forward to providing a world-class stage for our champion Black Ferns to defend the World Cup in front of their fans.

“Auckland is well experienced at organising these events with the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and the World Masters Games last year, and we’ll be excellent hosts.

“The Cup will create excitement in the city and bring nearly $3.6 million in economic benefits for the region.

“2021 is shaping up to be an unmissable year in Auckland, with our region hosting the America’s Cup, APEC Leaders’ Week, the World Softball Championship and now the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said Phil Goff.

Auckland and Whangarei will host matches at Albany Stadium, Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events Centre, with Eden Park available for the semi’s and final.

ATEED General Manager Destination, Steve Armitage says Auckland is an international award-winning world-class host city and hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup is consistent with the region becoming a world centre for women in sport in the next five years.

“Securing the Women’s Rugby World Cup, against strong competition from Australia, shows the growing status and recognition of international women’s sporting events,” he says.

“It’s also a great complement to New Zealand’s ongoing hosting of the 8th International Working Group on Women in Sport secretariat, culminating in the 8th World Conference of the IWG in 2022.

“Co-hosting with Whangarei is also a great fit. It’s an easy drive from Auckland and the ideal base for WRWC visitors for a Northland holiday, and, like Auckland, has a strong women’s rugby player and fan base.”

The event is expected to bring more than 4,600 visitors to Auckland, generating more than 27,100 nights and contributing $3.6m in new money for the region.

There are also significant impacts through international exposure and broadcast opportunities, including in some of Auckland’s priority markets of Australia, United States, Japan and China. These countries are also likely to have a team competing in the tournament.

New Zealand’s bid was presented by Black Fern and NZR Board Member Farah Palmer, All Black and NZR Board Member Mark Robinson, NZR Chief Executive Steve Tew and they were joined by video by New Zealand’s Prime Minster, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern.

Watch the Black Ferns reaction here

NOTES TO EDITOR

• Stadium capacity – Waitakere 5000, Whangarei 17,500 and Albany 25,000 with Eden Park as an option if required – giving us a good range of sizes and options for day and night matches
• Match and training facilities and accommodation will be on parity with international men’s rugby teams and RWC2011 in line with the IOC’s requirement that “women need to have the same opportunities as men”
• NZR’s bid comes with a deep affinity for the game, the best rugby venues, playing surfaces, training grounds and gymnasiums to enable the players to perform at their best
• NZR is highly experienced in the operational planning and delivery of world class events with sustainable commercial returns
• Has support and backing from the New Zealand Government
• Comprehensive legacy programme planned – Championing Oceania, Accelerating the game, Empowering High Performance Programmes and Building Inspirational Leaders

ends

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