Australia is set to use the 2027 and 2029 Rugby World Cups as a springboard for long-term growth in rugby, following a $90 million funding commitment from the Federal Government.

The funding will support the delivery of the Men’s and Women’s Rugby World Cups and the Impact Beyond legacy program, which aims to strengthen rugby communities across Australia and the Pacific.

Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells announced the initiative on Wednesday alongside Rugby Australia Chair Daniel Herbert, CEO Phil Waugh, Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director Chris Stanley, Wallabies forward Tom Hooper, Wallaroos forward Tiarah Minns and junior players from Brisbane.

The 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup and 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup will mark the return of the tournaments to Australian soil after 24 years.

Under an agreement involving the Federal Government, Rugby Australia and World Rugby, the events are expected to create opportunities that extend beyond the tournaments themselves.

For communities across Australia, the Impact Beyond program will focus on increasing participation in schools and clubs, upgrading facilities, strengthening coaching and match-official development, and creating greater opportunities for women and girls.

The program has set ambitious targets for the end of 2029, including a 30 per cent increase in registered competition participants, a doubling of club-program participation and a 70 per cent rise in female participation.

The initiative also extends into the Pacific, where Rugby Australia and the Federal Government’s PacificAus Sports program will work together on a multi-year development plan.

The Pacific component will concentrate on four areas: international performance development, stronger governance and financial sustainability, community rugby development, and greater regional engagement.

Rugby Australia says the investment is intended to build a more sustainable rugby system across Australia and Oceania, with benefits continuing well beyond the two World Cups.