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Gosper expects China to bid for WCup ‘sooner than later’
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CHINA’S ambitious sporting plans will see it bid to host a Rugby World Cup ‘sooner rather than later,’ according to World Rugby Chief Executive Brett Gosper.
The earliest World Cup it could hope to host would be the 2027 edition as bidding for the 2023 one is closed with Ireland, France and South Africa vying to win the right to host it.
China is already keen to host the football version of World Cup with the 2030 edition probably the likeliest one.
Gosper, speaking at the World Rugby Conference, said the Chinese Government liked rugby as it is a team sport, which to them is character building for those who play it and that is a characteristic they want to encourage in the people.
“They would very much like a World Series Sevens event, probably in Shanghai,” said the 57-year-old Australian. “Then one day sooner rather than later they would like to have a World Cup. That is how ambitious they are,” added Gosper.
Gosper said the recent US$100 million investment in the currently low-profile sport, whose Chinese name translates literally as ‘English-style olive ball,’ by e-commerce giant Alibaba had been the shot in the arm rugby required there.
“China has huge potential for anyone in the sporting business literally with the size of market there,” said Gosper. “We are coming from a very low base as we estimate there are about 75000 players in a population of over a billion.
“However, we have been fortunate enough that a company like Alibaba has through its’ sports agency Alisports and with help from the sports agency, which handles sevens for us agreed an investment strategy with them of US$100million in China over the next 10 years.
“They want to begin by investing in the professional leagues, sevens and XVs. They are also going to invest in grass-roots development and school programs.
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