Hosting two Rugby World Cups is an opportunity Australia cannot afford to fumble | Bret Harris

Tournaments on home soil in 2027 and 2029 present a once-in-a-generation chance to revive the men's game and grow the women's

Australian rugby has been given a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the game in this country with the prospect of hosting back-to-back men's and women's World Cups only two years apart. In a tremendous fillip for the game, Australia was on Monday named the preferred candidate to host the women's World Cup in 2029, along with the men's tournament in 2027.

The dual World Cups have put Australia in a superb position to capitalise on the enormous global popularity of rugby, with the potential to deliver a much-needed financial boost. But it is an opportunity Australian rugby cannot afford to fumble as poor performances in the home tournaments would be disastrous for the game.