It’s worked well with the bid for the soccer World Cup, and Australia are looking to combine with New Zealand to nab the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Rugby Australia (RA) Chairman Hamish McLennan is open to sharing pool games with New Zealand in 2027.

After less than two weeks in the top job, McLennan has made the bold move to strengthen the relationship with the Kiwis. While the Australian bid is still in its early stages, McLennan told New Zealand TV he is open to sending a pool of games to New Zealand:

“At the end of the day, there’s a lot of history between our two countries so I’m really open to that, I want to have a friendly and co-operative relationship with you guys. You are what you are, you’re a fantastic rugby nation. We’re really keen to win it and if you got a few pool games or a pool, I’d be up for that.”

The move comes at a delicate time, with domestic competition in Australia and New Zealand suffering due to COVID-19. RA officials are hopeful that a World Cup carrot will entice New Zealand Rugby to stick with Australia in the short term.