Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL) has announced that the Women’s Rugby World Cup (WRWC) 2006 will take place in Edmonton, Canada.
The tournament in Canada will be the fifth Women’s World Cup but the first to be held outside Europe. The previous tournaments were held in Spain, Netherlands, Scotland and Wales. The tournament’s participation structure will also ensure that all continents have representation in Edmonton.
‘Since the first tournament in 1991 WRWC has been the catalyst for the tremendous growth of the women’s game worldwide,’ said RWCL Chairman, Dr Syd Millar.
‘The move out of Europe is therefore another example of the growing global popularity of rugby. The IRB has made every effort to ensure that its tournaments are hosted throughout the rugby world and this announcement means that all of our major regions will have hosted an IRB tournament between 2003 and 2007.’
‘RWCL is also pleased to announce that for the first time the transport and accommodation costs of the participating teams will be met in full to bring it line with all our other major tournaments,’ added Dr Millar.
Chris Le Fevre, Chairman of the IRB Women’s Committee said, ‘The award of this tournament to Canada recognises the solid growth of the women’s game in North America and I have no doubt that it will be a memorable event for all concerned.’
Women’s RWC Champions
Year; Venue; Winner; Runner-Up
2002; Spain; New Zealand; England
1998; Netherlands; New Zealand; USA
1994; Scotland; England; USA
1991; Wales; USA; England
IRB U19 & U21 World Championship News
The IRB U21 World Championship 2005 will take place in Argentina following a site inspection and approval by the IRB in November. With regard to future tournaments, the IRB Council has approved the recommendation of the Technical Committee that the Championship should be held every two years and not annually as at present. This will come into effect from 2006. The scheduling of the tournament on the international rugby calendar will be determined by the host union.
The venue for the IRB U19 World Championship 2005 was ratified by Council in November following a recommendation from the Executive Committee in August. It will take place in Durban, South Africa. The U19 Championship will remain an annual tournament.
For more details contact:
Chris Rea +353 87 249 8019
Greg Thomas +353 86 819 6149