Former Wallabies captain John Eales has been named on a strong advisory board to oversee Rugby Australia’s bid to host the 2027 World Cup.

New Rugby Australia chairperson Hamish McLennan on Tuesday revealed the board as the country looks to step up the bid for its first World Cup since 2003.

The board will be chaired by high-profile businessman Sir Rod Eddington – who has previously served as CEO of British Airways – and includes World Cup-winning former Wallabies captain John Eales.

Also serving on the advisory board is former Australia Prime Minister John Howard, former Sir Peter Cosgrove, Fortescue Metals Group CEO Elizabeth Gaines, Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth and McLennan himself.

ALSO READ: Australia contenders for 2027 World Cup

If successful, the hosting rights would bring a massive financial boost to a sporting code that has been struggling in Australia and has been further hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘The 2027 Rugby World Cup is an incredible opportunity for rugby and for our country and we have signalled our intentions clearly by bringing together some of the greatest minds in rugby, politics, business, and the tourism sector to deliver a winning bid for Australia,’ McLennan said.

SA Rugby were last year said to be considering a bid for the 2027 showpiece, but were also weighing up the financial costs after winning the right to host the 2022 Sevens World Cup. Argentina and the USA have also been mentioned as potential hosts of the tournament.

ALSO READ: SA Rugby considering 2027 bid

Photo: Getty Images