DUBLIN – The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 has attracted a record level of interest after six unions said they wanted to stage the event.
Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Portugal and Wales have all confirmed their intentions to bid for the tournament.
The record level of interest highlights the strength of the Women’s Rugby World Cup brand after a special and record-breaking Ireland 2017 tournament and excitement surrounding a new tournament format.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 was the best-attended, most-viewed and most socially-engaged ever, setting new standards for the tournament and extending the reach of the game around the world.
The 2017 edition clocked up a total of 45-million video views, and a total reach of more than 70-million throughout the five match days.
More than 750 000 fans from 230 countries and territories also visited the official website www.rwcwomens.com, attracting 58 percent of new fans, setting new records for engagement of the multi-language content for a Women’s Rugby World Cup.
World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont said: “We are delighted with the record level of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 hosting interest from unions, which reflects the significant global excitement and momentum behind the women’s game.
“Ireland 2017 was a magnificent tournament by any Rugby World Cup standards and I am sure that all six unions will be determined to raise the bar again as we look forward to a tournament that features a new format and is a proven major sporting and social driver.”
The six unions have been issued with the bid documents and now have until August 10 to submit their responses.
The World Rugby Council will select the Rugby World Cup 2021 host at its interim meeting in Dublin on November 14, 2018.