QBE Stadium will play host to several matches of the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup.

For the first time ever, the Women's Rugby World Cup will be held in the Southern Hemisphere after a successful bid by Farah Palmer, Mark Robinson, Steve Tew and Prime Minster, the Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern. Auckland and Whangarei will host matches at Albany QBE Stadium, Trusts Arena Stadium in Waitakere and Northland Events Centre, with Eden Park available for the semi’s and final (yet to be decided). The competition is set to run for six weeks in July and August and is expected to bring more than 4,600 visitors to Auckland, generating more than 27,100 nights and contributing $3.6m in new money for the region.

Mayor Phil Goff says it is great news that Auckland will be jointly hosting this exciting event.

“We are looking forward to providing a world-class stage for our champion Black Ferns to defend the World Cup in front of their fans.

“Auckland is well experienced at organising these events with the Rugby World Cup in 2011 and the World Masters Games last year, and we’ll be excellent hosts.

“The Cup will create excitement in the city and bring nearly $3.6 million in economic benefits for the region.

“2021 is shaping up to be an unmissable year in Auckland, with our region hosting the America’s Cup, APEC Leaders’ Week, the World Softball Championship and now the Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said Phil Goff.