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Les Kiss highlights importance of bringing Rugby World Cup to Townsville
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TOWNSVILLE: Wallabies coach Les Kiss has stressed the importance of bringing four Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 pool stage matches to Townsville, which is part of an unprecedented slate of international rugby union matches in North Queensland.
The next Men’s Rugby World Cup is less than 14 months away, with tournament regulars Georgia taking on Romania in the first of four matches at the state-of-the-art Queensland Country Bank Stadium on October 3.
Georgia are set to compete at their showpiece event for the seventh time in a row, while Romania have competed at every Men’s Rugby World Cup except 2019. That Pool B Test sets the tone for a massive two weeks of rugby for the region.
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World Cup debutants Chile and Hong Kong China will meet on October 9, before Tonga take on Zimbabwe the following week. Spain and Canada face off in the final Townsville Test at the World Cup, scheduled for October 16.
“It’s massive isn’t it, really. Spreading the love like that is so important,” Kiss told reporters at Townsville District Rugby Union Fields.
“That World Cup’s in our background. This is one of the most important backyards in Queensland for sporting talent.
“It’s great to be able to have those games up here for sure.”
Townsville is one of seven host cities for the Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, which is part of a big four years ahead for the region. Rugby Australia revealed on Thursday the Wallabies would play another three Tests there from 2027 and 2029.
The Wallabies, who are just a couple of days away from taking on Japan’s Brave Blossoms at the 25,455-seat venue on Saturday afternoon, will renew their rivalry with Los Pumas during the 2027 international season.
Georgia will be the next side to play the Aussies in ‘The Ville’ a couple of years later, before Argentina return in 2030. If you include this weekend’s fixture, North Queensland is set to host eight international matches over the next four years.
“It’s very special to tell you the truth. I’ve got two Queenslanders with us today here in Tate [McDermott] and Carter [Gordon] to share this occasion,” Kiss said.
“This is an important step. This is an important Test match for us.
“We’ve won two in a row now. It’ll take more this week to get over Japan, they were very good last week and know that Eddie’s a very savvy coach. We’re going to have to be very good improve on certain areas, for sure.
“A special time to come here to Townsville and we’re excited. We’ve got to make sure that we put our best foot forward because it won’t be an easy Test match.”
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