The Australian Government have announced their support for Rugby Australia's bid to host the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup by providing $300,000 to support the sporting body.
Minister for Sport Bridget McKenzie was on for the announcement on Tuesday as Rugby Australia finalised the final pieces for their bid which will be submitted to World Rugby on August 10.
If successful, the bid would pave the way for Australia to host the first Women's Rugby World Cup in the southern hemisphere.
"The support of the Australian Government for our Women's Rugby World Cup bid is a fantastic endorsement of Rugby Australia's plans to bring the World Cup to our shores," Rugby Australia CEO Raelene Castle said in a statement. "It has enabled us to develop a really strong bid which we are extremely proud of.
"Australians know how to deliver world class sporting events and I know, if successful, we will deliver a tournament like no other."
The event would see the Australian women's side, the Wallaroos, take on the world's best sides including New Zealand, England and France in a six-week tournament to be played in July and August 2021.
Senator McKenzie said the event would be a great showcase for female sport and would benefit the whole community.
"The Wallaroos are inspiring a whole new generation of girls to get involved in rugby and events such as the World Cup provide an opportunity to showcase our great nation and provides flow on benefits to the whole community," McKenzie said. "Importantly, it will also position Rugby Australia well in its future bid for the men's 2027 World Cup."
The Wallaroos will run out against the Black Ferns on Saturday August 18 in a historic trans-Tasman double-header. It will be the first time the national women's team has shared the Bledisloe Cup stage with their male counterparts in Australia.