Aussies to host another World Cup
Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:25
The big prize: The Webb Ellis trophy
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has lodged an expression of interest with the International Rugby Board (IRB) to host another World Cup.
The move follows an IRB invitation to member countries to flag their interest in staging the 2015 or 2019 tournaments.
A decision on the hosting rights for both events will be made next July.
The ARU, in expressing interest, is keeping open its options.
A thorough assessment process would need to be undertaken before considering a full-scale bid.
Lodging an expression of interest, however, keeps ARU "in the ball park", while assessing what would clearly be a daunting financial challenge, the ARU said in a statement.
The 2003 World Cup in Australia carried costs of AU$120 million ($US103 million).
By 2019 that commitment could exceed AU$300 million ($US259 million).
The 2003 World Cup attracted almost 2 million spectators to Australian venues with a cumulative television audience of 3.4 billion in 193 countries.
Australia co-hosted the inaugural World Cup in 1987 and was the sole host of the 2003 edition.
Neighbouring New Zealand will hold the 2011 World Cup.
