The iconic MCG in central Melbourne.Credit:MCG
Sydney is the game’s heartland,but,as Victorian officials argue,if the Australian Rugby Union and World Rugby want to grow the game and maximise their revenue opportunities then the MCG is the obvious choice.
The Victorian government has backed the push for the decider to be staged in the state capital,with Sports Minister Martin Pakula earlier this week declaring:“We’ve strongly advocated that in our discussions with Rugby Australia and the Rugby World Cup.”
“We are the events capital of the nation,with a sporting precinct that cannot be matched.“
Melbourne Rebels chairman Paul Docherty’s enthusiasm for the potential of the sport is infectious and he argues that hosting a game like the final could take Victorian rugby to the next level.
“Melbourne and the MCG are putting our best foot forward through Visit Victoria and the minister. We want to host the final of the Rugby World Cup. It would be unbelievable for the game,” he says.
“Five years ago when the community took back the reins of the game from private ownership we had one local Victorian player contracted in the Rebels squad. Today 40 per cent of the squad is brought up here. They are our young products.