Men's Rugby World Cup

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:06): My question is to the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing. Will the minister inform the council about Adelaide recently being named as the host city for the Men's Rugby World Cup in 2027?

The Hon. E.S. BOURKE (Minister for Emergency Services and Correctional Services, Minister for Autism, Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing) (15:07): I thank the honourable member for his question and interest in the importance of this announcement. In a development that has been welcomed by rugby union fans across our state, it was announced recently that Adelaide will host five matches as part of the Men's Rugby World Cup 2027.

Adelaide will be one of seven host cities during the six-week nationwide festival of rugby that will take place from 1 October until 13 November 2027. For those who are less familiar with the rugby community, the Men's Rugby World Cup is considered to be one of the world's major sporting events. I am advised its return to Australia in 2027 will be the first time the cup has been held in the country since 2003. I understand that the 52-match tournament will see some 792 players across 24 teams compete, and a further 12 teams will qualify for their sport as part of the Journey to Australia 2027 which kicked off just a few days ago on 31 January in Europe.

However, there is also another historic rugby match to keep our eye out for and that is the historic British and Irish Lions match on 12 July this year. An expected packed-out crowd at the Adelaide Oval will witness the British and Irish Lions play for the first time in almost 140 years.

These rugby events show that South Australia continues to attract some of the biggest sporting events on the planet, boosting our great state's standing as a major event powerhouse, and injecting economic support to our local tourism and hospitality sectors. I am advised the Men's Rugby World Cup tournament is anticipated to inject $1.3 billion in indirect visitor expenditure across the country and attract more than 250,000 international visitors, while creating 8,700 full-time jobs. I look forward to welcoming the teams and supporters from around the world and interstate who will be coming over for these historic matches, and also the experience of our great state.