Govt to help bid for women's cup

Former Otago Spirit players Kelly Brazier (left) and Carla Hohepa celebrate winning the  Women's...
Former Otago Spirit players Kelly Brazier (left) and Carla Hohepa celebrate winning the Women's Rugby World Cup Final last year. Photo: Getty Images
The Government is committed to lifting the profile of women’s sport and will contribute financially to New Zealand hosting the Women’s Rugby World Cup, but sports minister Grant Roberston will not reveal how much.

New Zealand Rugby is one of six bidders hoping to host the 2021 World Cup - Australia, England, France, Portugal and Wales are also in contention.

The six unions have until mid-August to formally submit their bids to World Rugby.

The host is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Roberston said he had had some preliminary discussions with NZR about government support.

"We are yet to see their full proposal, but I’m very happy to sit down with the rugby union and work out what level of contribution from the Government is needed.

"I think there’s a unique opportunity for New Zealand to lift the visibility of women’s sport to show that we value it more than we have in the past and to capitalise on the increased interest there is.’’

Roberston said he would see winning the hosting rights for the World Cup as a priority.

"There are a number of other major women’s sports event that are on the horizon for New Zealand to host potentially but the Women’s World Cup is one that would be very attractive for New Zealanders to support and be a part of,’’ he said. 

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