Russia's 2027 World Cup hosting bid receives president Vladimir Putin's backing

Russia President Vladimir Putin has backed the Russian Rugby Federation's bid to host the 2027 edition of World Cup.

With the 2023 World Cup set to be held in France after they won competition from South Africa and Ireland, the World Ruby has announced that the bidding process for the 2027 edition will be held in February next year with the decision in May.

Russia will face a stern challenge from Australia, who currently are among the top contenders to host the 2027 edition.

"On July 24, the supreme council of the Russian Rugby Federation established a committee to prepare an application to host the Rugby World Cup in Russia in 2027," read a statement from the Russian board.

"Anticipating the creation of the committee, chairman of the supreme council of the Russian Rugby Federation Igor Artemyev recalled that the initiative to prepare an application to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Russia was supported by the president of Russia at the council for the development of physical culture and sports.

"The necessary consultations were held with the participation of the ministry of sports. By the end of this year detailed information and criteria for the application are expected."

Russia were grouped in Pool A along with Japan, Ireland, Scotland and Samoa in the 2019 World Cup and finished at the bottom after losing all their four matches.