New Zealand awarded hosting rights for 2021 Women's World Cup

World Rugby has confirmed that the 2021 edition of the Women's Rugby World Cup will be hosted in New Zealand.

This will also be the first time the showpiece event will be held in the southern hemisphere with seven of the last eight World Cups hosted in Europe.

New Zealand was up against Australia in a voting process conducted by World Rugby in Dublin on Wednesday and a comprehensive report was submitted to the council by both the boards.

The 2021 edition will also see a changed format with quarter-finals introduced and classification games scrapped as the governing body wants to avoid big teams missing out on knockout stages.

“Congratulations to New Zealand on being elected Women’s Rugby World Cup 2021 host. They presented a very strong and compelling bid and we look forward to working with New Zealand Rugby to host a successful and inspiring tournament," said World Rugby chairman Bill Beaumont.

“Women’s rugby continues to grow with more than 2.4 million women and girls playing rugby at all levels, accounting for more than a quarter of players globally.

"With Women’s Rugby World Cup attracting record crowds and broadcast audiences in each of the last three tournaments – Ireland 2017, France 2014 and England 2010 – I am in no doubt that the 2021 tournament, the first to be held in the southern hemisphere, will continue this record-breaking trend.

“I would also like to thank Australia for their exceptional bid. We hope to welcome Australia back to bid again in the future.”

New Zealand have been the most successful team in the history of the Women's World Cup having clinched the title five times out of the eight editions with England managing victories in two editions.