Eden Park to host final of 2021 Women's World Cup
World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont
©PA
New Zealand Rugby has unveiled the fixtures of the 2021 edition of Women's Rugby World Cup that will kick-off in September next year.
The tournament will kick-off on 18th September with the round one while rounds two and three has been scheduled on 23rd and 28th September respectively. Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events centre will host all the matches in the group stage.
Waitakere Stadium and Northland Events centre will also host the quarter-finals on 3rd October with the semi-finals scheduled to be played at Eden Park on 9th October.
The final of the tournament along with the third place decider will be played at 16th October in Auckland.
“Women’s rugby is the single-biggest opportunity to grow the global game, and we are confident that New Zealand 2021 will be one of the great Rugby World Cups, attracting a new fan and player base for the sport," said World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont to the official website of the governing body.
“RWC 2021 follows a hugely successful 2017 event in Ireland which broke attendance and broadcast records, having a hugely positive impact on women’s rugby. Last year we successfully launched ‘Try and Stop Us’, a campaign that aims to drive increased participation and engagement among fans, audiences, players and investors in the women’s game.
"It is a privilege to be here in New Zealand and to see the huge amount of work that has already gone into ensuring this will be another spectacular tournament for the world’s best women’s teams.”
NZR Chief Executive Mark Robinson expressed confidence about successfully hosting the world tournament.
“This is an event we are very excited to be hosting and we can’t wait to have the world’s best women’s teams play here. The Black Ferns love playing at home and I know they are excited at the prospect of retaining the Rugby World Cup at home," he told.
“Together with the support from Central Government, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, and Whangarei District Council we are committed to working alongside World Rugby to deliver an exciting event that continues to grow the game and deliver benefits for rugby in New Zealand and globally.
“As part of the bid team that presented to World Rugby in Dublin in 2018, it is now a real privilege to continue to be involved in the delivery of the tournament and to see preparations come to life.
“We share World Rugby’s global ambition of getting more, women and girls involved in rugby and RWC 2021 is a great way to showcase women’s rugby at an elite level and provide inspiration for boys and girls to get involved in our game".
New Zealand were the winners of the 2017 edition held in Ireland when they defeated England 41-32 in the final.
