The Australian Rugby Union is "fighting to avoid being blown into World Cup oblivion" as CEO Bill Pulver conceded that Australia "might not host rugby's showpiece event until 2031 unless they launch a late bid to win rights to the tournament before then," according to Chris Dutton of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. Pulver said that officials had "already canvassed plans" to bring the World Cup back to Australia for the first time since '03 and would "monitor the bid process for tournaments" in '23 and '27. Pulver also said that he wanted to continue his five-year plan for Australian rugby, "declaring he wants to see the last two years of his contract and give the sport stability at the top." The prospect of capitalizing on any momentum gained by hosting the World Cup between now and '03 "appeared slim" with Pulver conceding Australia needs to "fire our best shot." Pulver: "We're eager to bring it to Australia, we're eager to get it back. Australia hosts a superb World Cup. ... It depends which way World Rugby goes, with swapping between northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere hosts, and maybe 2031 is the best option." Hosting the '03 tournament gave the ARU a A$40M ($29M) injection and "another financial boost would be crucial to the future of the game." Australia was forced to withdraw its bid for the '11 event, "citing unreasonable financial demands from Rugby World Cup Ltd." But the new broadcast deal, which is expected to provide a A$40M boost to the code's coffers, "could have changed the mood at ARU headquarters." Pulver has been meeting with World Rugby and SANZAR officials in London "to discuss television revenue from the impending deal and the potential locations for future tournaments" (SMH, 10/18).
